![]() ![]() The study is published in the journal Scientific Reports. Perhaps the most recognizable behavior performed by gorillas is chest-beating. “This hints at the possibility that chest beats may have individual signatures, but further study is needed to test this,” said Wright. Western lowland gorillas live in troops led by a dominant silverback. The researchers were surprised to find a great deal of variation in both the number of chest beats as well as the duration. Females are likely using the same information to identify potential mates. This would help them decide whether to initiate, escalate, or retreat in aggressive contests with them. Rival males most likely use the chest drumming sounds to size up their competition. ![]() Body size is an important attribute among many animals because it tends to reflect strength and fighting ability. Previous research conducted by Wright’s team showed that larger males were more socially dominant and more successful in terms of reproduction than smaller males. “The gorilla chest beat is one of those iconic sounds from the animal kingdom, so it is great that we have been able to show that body size is encoded in these spectacular displays,” said study first author Edward Wright. They have thicker fur, and more of it, compared to other great apes. This means that chest beating conveys information regarding body size. As their name implies, mountain gorillas live in forests high in the mountains, at elevations of 8,000 to 13,000 feet. The analysis revealed that larger males emitted chest beats with lower peak frequencies compared to smaller individuals. The experts measured body size using a non-invasive technique based on photographs. ![]() To investigate, the researchers observed and recorded 25 adult male silverback gorillas in Volcanoes National Park that are regularly monitored by the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. It has been widely assumed that gorillas beat their chests to attract females and intimidate rivals. The findings demonstrate how non-verbal behaviors may contribute to communication among mountain gorillas. According to the researchers, the beating sounds can be heard over one kilometer away. Experts at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology have determined that chest beating conveys information about the identity and body size of mountain gorillas.Ĭhest beating is unique because it is not a vocalization, but a gesture that can be both seen and heard. ![]()
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