What specific challenging materials must a wild gorilla's digestive system be capable of handling during periods of low fruit availability?
Answer
Large loads of lignin and cellulose
When fruit is scarce, gorillas must subsist almost entirely on highly fibrous plant material. This tough foliage and bark contain significant amounts of lignin and cellulose, which are complex structural carbohydrates that require specialized digestive capabilities to break down and extract energy from. The gorilla's physiology must be robust enough to handle these large, recalcitrant loads to ensure survival during these lean periods.
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