Why do gorillas dedicate more foraging time to fruit when it is in season?
Answer
Higher sugar content and ease of consumption
When fruit becomes available during its season, Western lowland gorillas shift their foraging priorities because fruits offer a combination of higher sugar content, which provides readily accessible energy, and easier consumption compared to the labor-intensive processes required for breaking down tough stalks or stripping bark for vegetative matter. Although fruits are a crucial component, their intake is variable and dependent on seasonality. During leaner periods when fruit is scarce, the gorillas must revert almost entirely to consuming the more consistently available, though less energy-dense, foliage to meet their energy needs.
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