What prominent cranial feature anchors the massive jaw muscles in mature male gorillas?
Answer
Sagittal crest
The head structure of the Western lowland gorilla reflects the immense musculature required to process their diet, which includes tough, fibrous vegetation. The male skull exhibits a distinct feature known as the sagittal crest. This is a pronounced ridge composed of bone that runs along the apex of the skull. Its biological function is critical, serving as the anchoring point for the powerful temporalis and masseter muscles necessary for generating significant biting force. This structure is noticeably more exaggerated in mature males compared to females or juveniles.
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