Which social tier in Western Lowland Gorillas is comparable to a small human settlement, involving around 39 individuals?
Answer
Aggregated Group
Western Lowland Gorilla societies are structured in distinct social tiers that reveal complexity beyond just the immediate family unit. The largest, most encompassing tier is described as the Aggregated Group. This grouping consists of approximately 39 gorillas that come together but are not necessarily closely related genetically or genealogically. This scale of association is likened to a small human settlement or a tribe, representing a broader social network built upon shared proximity or resource knowledge, contrasting with the smaller, more tightly bonded Immediate Family tier led by the silverback.

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