What physical feature signals the full adulthood and leadership status of a mature male Western Gorilla, earning him the title of 'silverback'?
Answer
The saddle of silvery-white hair that develops across their backs around 12 to 13 years of age
The term 'silverback' is a specific physical identifier for a mature adult male Western Gorilla. This designation is earned when the male develops a prominent saddle of silvery-white hair covering his back, typically commencing around 12 to 13 years of age. This silver mantle is an unmistakable visual sign of the male reaching full physical maturity, signifying his established status as the dominant leader of the family group or troop. This development is a key indicator of the male's readiness to assume leadership responsibilities, including protection and decision-making for the entire unit.
Related Questions
What are the two primary subspecies that the classification of the Western Gorilla (*Gorilla gorilla*) separates them into?What physical feature signals the full adulthood and leadership status of a mature male Western Gorilla, earning him the title of 'silverback'?What is the primary mode of locomotion utilized by Western Gorillas, which is facilitated by their arms being longer than their legs?What specialized dietary behavior, involving the consumption of soil or clay, is observed in Western Gorillas, and what is the proposed reason for this practice?What key decision-making function does the dominant silverback execute for the gorilla troop regarding movement and sustenance?What interaction between genetics and pathogens makes the Ebola virus such a devastating threat to the Western Gorilla, given their shared characteristics with humans?What demographic fact underscores the extreme conservation fragility of the Cross River Gorilla subspecies?Where do Western Gorillas construct their resting platforms, or nests, each night using gathered vegetation?What aspect of the Western Gorilla's life cycle contributes significantly to the difficulty of population recovery following mass mortality events?What specific variety of Central African environments are listed as being inhabited by the Western Gorilla population?