Gorillas vs Chimpanzees – What’s the Difference & Similarities?
Compared to chimpanzees Who would prevail? What similarities and differences exist between chimpanzees and gorillas? Chimpanzees and gorillas are both excellent apes, and a comparison of the two species helps one better comprehend them. Chimpanzees and gorillas both reside in their natural habitat and in captivity. However, chimpanzees, particularly mountain gorillas, are far more able to survive in captivity than gorillas.
A Synopsis of Gorillas
The largest primates still alive are gorillas. These herbivorous apes live on the ground and are found in the woodlands of Central Sub-Saharan Africa. There are two species of gorillas in the genus: eastern and western gorillas. Sadly, both of these species are endangered. Four subspecies are descended from the two species, and they are the
For the Eastern gorilla (Gorilla beringei) species, there are two types: the mountain gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei) and the eastern lowland gorilla (Gorilla beringei graueri).
For the Western gorilla species, there are two types: the Cross River gorilla (Gorilla gorilla diehli) and the Western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla).
A synopsis of chimpanzees
A member of the Great Ape family, the chimpanzee (Pan Troglodytes) is frequently referred to as the common chimpanzee or just “chimp.” African savannahs and woods are home to chimpanzees. Fossils and DNA sequencing indicate that they belong to a sister taxon to the human lineage, but they are classified in the genus Pan. Chimpanzees are therefore the closest relatives of humans. Chimpanzees typically live in groups of 15 to 150 people.
What makes chimpanzees and gorillas different from one another?
Many issues are raised about gorillas and chimpanzees because they are both apes that are believed to have many similarities and distinctions. The following are some of the most common queries regarding gorillas and chimpanzees:
The distinctions between chimpanzees and gorillas
Are chimpanzees and gorillas the same species?
Chimpanzees and gorillas are obviously different. The following are some ways that gorillas and chimpanzees are similar and different:
The bare face, palms of the hands, soles of the feet, fingers, and toes, and coarse black hair are all features of chimpanzees.
The majority of gorillas have black bodies, with the darkest being the mountain gorilla. The backs of adult male gorillas feature a silvery streak of hair. Western Lowland Gorillas have a reddish forehead and can be either brown or gray.
Although they differ in weight, gorillas and chimpanzees are both subspecies of big apes.
In contrast to wild gorillas, which weigh between 136 and 195 kg for adult males and 68 to 113 kg for adult females, chimpanzees weigh between 40 and 60 kg for males and 27 to 50 kg for females.
This indicates that chimpanzees are considerably smaller than gorillas.
Male gorillas are between 1.4 and 5 feet tall, while chimpanzees are between 3.3 and 4.6 feet tall. Gorilla females are shorter, standing between 4 and 11 feet.
Chimpanzees and gorillas both walk on all fours, or knuckle-walking, and occasionally walk short distances on two feet. W
ild gorillas can climb trees, and chimpanzees can roam about in the trees where they eat pretty effectively. It is well known that mountain gorillas walk with the palms and backs of their hands, among other hand parts. Gorillas have sturdier bones, larger limbs, jaws, and head crests, and their hands and feet are less flexible. In contrast, chimpanzees have bigger thumbs and more slender hands and feet.
Compared to gorillas, chimpanzees have less sexual dimorphism.
On average, chimpanzees are marginally smarter than gorillas and have proportionately larger brains. The Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Uganda is home to Natasha, the most intelligent chimpanzee in the world. She recently gave birth to a daughter and is only a day trip away from Uganda Safari.
The head of the family and, typically, the only adult female in the group is the silverback gorilla, an older male with silver hair on the back. In addition to having numerous breeding partners, the chimpanzee group contains a large number of men and females.
To prevent inbreeding, female gorillas and chimps both depart from the group. If the female gorilla feels unprotected by the male, particularly if the silverback is feeble and unable to adequately defend the family, she may also go.
Chimpanzees are frugivores, while gorillas are primarily herbivores. Gorillas mostly consume leaves, nettles, and in smaller amounts, fruit, roots, and stems. They forage for much of the day and occasionally consume termites instead of meat. Chimpanzees consume insects and monkey and bushbaby flesh. For added energy, they also consume fruit.
Chimpanzees and gorillas can both build nests in trees, however because of their weight, gorillas are less able to climb. Both of them build their nests on the ground. Chimpanzees shout and kick trees, whereas gorillas charge and beat their chests to show aggression. Since these are wild creatures, you must abide by rules to prevent injury when they act aggressively.
Compared to gorillas, chimpanzees are more adept at using tools. Chimpanzees have been observed adhering to fish termites, constructing crude spears, and scaring away baboons with stones. Gorillas can also fish for termites using sticks.
Which Ape Is Deadlier, Chimpanzees or Gorillas?
Which ape is more dangerous, chimpanzees or gorillas? Gorillas and chimpanzees are both wild creatures that can be domesticated to become used to people. Gorillas are unlikely to attack people, and there is no proof that they have ever attacked people violently. They might, however, attack if their young are in danger of being harmed by poachers. Instead of mauling a human, their goal is always to keep the baby safe.
Regardless, if a gorilla charges during a Rwandan gorilla tour, Ugandan gorilla trekking, or any other interaction with the gorillas, stay motionless and do not stare the gorilla in the eye. The gorillas will move away from you as they don’t think you’re harmful.
In contrast, chimpanzees are unpredictable. Chimpanzees are a bundle of raging testosterone when they reach the adolescent stage, which occurs around the ages of six or seven. They are capable of attacking, and when they do, their powerful canine teeth will bite with 20 times the force of a person.
Both are harmful, in case you were wondering. Unlike chimpanzees, who may quickly bite your face and execute your talent in a matter of minutes, gorillas are stronger but less likely to assault.
Make sure the chimpanzees or gorillas you wish to trek are tamed or acclimated; any of these wild animals might be deadly. There are multiple groups of domesticated gorillas and chimpanzees in our safari sites.
To have a once-in-a-lifetime experience and discover more about both lowland and mountain gorillas, schedule a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda, Rwanda, or the Congo. All of our safari locations offer opportunities to see the entertaining chimpanzees, but chimpanzee trekking in Tanzania, Rwanda, or Uganda might be the ideal adventure.
