Mountain gorillas are an endangered species of primates inhabiting the tropical rainforests of Virunga range volcanoes and Bwindi impenetrable forest national park in the south western part of Uganda.
They live in social groups dominated by an alpha male silverback that dictates all the group activities including feeding time, where to forage, sleeping time and also responsible for the group safety from any predators.
How do gorillas adapt to environment
Mountain gorillas have long and thick fur which helps them to survive in the cold nights in the tropical rainforests they live in. The fur prevents them from getting disease such as pneumonia and other respiratory diseases. On cold days, they also stay close and huddle with each other for warmth. The fur also protects them from biting insects.
Gorillas have also adapted to the environment by use of their flat teeth which helps them to chew cellulose in plant diet, the bacteria in their colon helps to breakdown the cellulose while their large intestines help to digest the food hence their having large stomachs.
Gorillas live in social structures dominated by a silverback, living in groups helps them in looking for food and also defend themselves in case of intruders.
Gorillas adapt to their environment by the use of their large muscles in the arms than legs which helps them to gather foliage and also for defence. The hands also help in locomotion and thumbs are longer fingers which both help in grasping and making movements.
Gorillas also adapt to their environment by co existing with vegetation in that they don’t have to spend too much energy hunting for prey.
Study shows that gorilla’s portray 25 different emotions and also use expressive faces to convey their emotions, needs and desires within their groups. This has helped them to adapt living within families where each is understood.
Gorillas also adapt to their environment by using their fingers to break shells off fruits found in the forests they live in, it should be noted that over 60 percent of gorilla food comprises of fruits.
Gorillas also adapt to their environment by use of their huge giant bodies to fight any predators intruding them in the forest.
Gorillas have adapted to their environment by smelling and hearing, once they smell danger or hear anything they suspect to be a threat, the family moves secretly to a safe custody.
Gorilla trekking
Gorilla eking can be done in Virunga national park in Congo, Volcanoes national park in Rwanda, Bwindi impenetrable forest national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park in south western Uganda. Gorilla permits cost $700 in Uganda, $450 in Congo and $1500 in Rwanda.
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