What is the dominant male leader of a lowland gorilla family unit called?
Answer
Silverback
The social organization of lowland gorillas is clearly hierarchical, centered around a single dominant male known universally as the silverback. This designation refers to the characteristic patch of silver hair that develops on the back of mature males, signifying their leadership status. The silverback holds undisputed authority over the family unit, which can range significantly in size from just a few individuals up to thirty. His responsibilities extend beyond defense against external threats; he is crucially responsible for guiding the group to essential, reliable resources, such as feeding patches rich in their staple diet of stems and pith, ensuring the stability and continuity of the group's existence.
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