What characteristic distinguishes a mature male Western Gorilla as a silverback?
Answer
A distinct saddle of silver or gray hair spreading across the back.
The term silverback specifically refers to mature, dominant adult males within the Western Gorilla social structure. This designation is derived from a clear physical marker: the development of a saddle of silver or gray hair that spreads across their backs as they reach full maturity. This feature is prominently displayed and serves as a visual signal of their dominant status within the group. While females typically lack this silvering and maintain darker fur, the presence of this unique coloration on the back is the defining trait for identifying a silverback.
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