How is the feeding behavior of the Western lowland gorilla characterized?
Answer
Selective foraging
The feeding habits of the Western lowland gorilla are distinctly characterized by selective foraging, meaning they actively choose the most nutritious or palatable parts of a plant rather than simply consuming everything within reach. This learned behavior often involves complex actions, such as carefully stripping outer bark to access the softer, more digestible inner cambium or pith, or peeling fruit before consuming the pulp. This selectivity is crucial for maximizing nutrient acquisition while simultaneously minimizing the intake of potentially toxic compounds that may be concentrated in tougher structural parts of the vegetation.
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