Which subspecies of *Gorilla gorilla* is designated as the nominate subspecies?
Answer
Western Lowland Gorilla (*Gorilla gorilla gorilla*)
The Western Lowland Gorilla, identified by the trinomial name *Gorilla gorilla gorilla*, is designated as the nominate subspecies of *Gorilla gorilla*. The term 'nominate' signifies that its name matches the species name (*gorilla gorilla*) plus the subspecies epithet (*gorilla*). This subspecies is characterized by being the most widespread and numerous group within the Western Gorilla species, with an estimated population around 276,000 individuals, inhabiting lush rainforests across a broad swathe of Central Africa.
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