Who provided the formal description for *Gorilla gorilla* in 1847?
Answer
Thomas Savage
Thomas Savage is credited with providing the formal scientific description of the Western Gorilla species in the year 1847. He initially classified the species under the genus *Troglodytes*, but this genus name was later found to be invalid because it was already in use for certain species of wren. Consequently, the new genus *Gorilla* was established, resulting in the accepted binomial name *Gorilla gorilla*, while Savage's original contribution of the species epithet *gorilla* was retained.
Related Questions
Who provided the formal description for *Gorilla gorilla* in 1847?What Family level taxon groups *Gorilla gorilla* with humans and orangutans?What is the estimated population range for the Cross River Gorilla (*G. g. diehli*)?What naming convention, where genus and specific epithet match, applies to *Gorilla gorilla*?Approximately how long ago did the Eastern Gorilla (*G. beringei*) and *Gorilla gorilla* diverge?Which subspecies of *Gorilla gorilla* is designated as the nominate subspecies?How do Western gorillas' hair coloration generally contrast with Eastern gorillas?What was the initial, now invalid, genus name Savage applied to *Gorilla gorilla*?Gorillas are placed in which Suborder within the Order Primates classification?Conservation efforts must be heavily weighted toward *G. g. diehli* due to what factor?