Overview
The western gorilla, included as an outgroup for brain scaling and body size comparisons. The largest living primate, with adult males reaching 160-180 kg. Brain size averages approximately 500 cc. Social structure consists of one-male harems. Important for understanding the scaling relationship between brain size and body size in hominoids.
Brain Anatomy
No Cranial Data Available
No cranial remains or endocasts have been recovered for this species, so brain morphology cannot be directly assessed.
Tools & Technology
No Tool Associations
No stone tools have been directly associated with this species in the archaeological record.
Diet
Folivorous and frugivorous; seasonal variation in fruit consumption
Genetics & Ancient DNA
| Genome Coverage | 99.00% |
|---|---|
| DNA Source | Complete genome |
| Sequencing Year | |
| mtDNA Available | Yes |
| Nuclear DNA | Yes |
| Divergence Date (molecular clock) | 9.10 MYA (95% CI: 7.60–10.80; 62 studies) |
Molecular clock data from TimeTree 5 (Kumar et al. 2022).
Life History
| Estimated Lifespan | ~40 years |
|---|---|
| Age at Maturity | ~12.0 years |
| Weaning Age | ~3.5 years |
| Interbirth Interval | ~4.5 years |
| Gestation | ~8.5 months |
| Dental Development | Fast crown formation vs hominins |
| Brain Growth | Large body; smaller EQ than hominins |
| Growth Comparison | Great ape baseline |
| Confidence | Measured |
Comparative Anatomy
| Encephalization Quotient | 1.65 |
|---|---|
| Intermembral Index | 118.0 |
| Locomotion | Facultative biped |
| Foramen Magnum | Posterior |
| Precision Grip | Absent |
| Pelvic Shape | Tall narrow |
| Robusticity | Robust |
| Big Toe | Abducted |
| Thorax | Funnel shaped |
Gorilla: largest great ape; terrestrial knuckle-walker.
DNA Data
Mitochondrial / Genomic Sequences
| Accession | Type | Length (bp) | Organism |
|---|---|---|---|
| NC_001645 | Complete mitogenome | 16,364 | Gorilla gorilla |