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Unexpected hard-object feeding in Western lowland gorillas
Adam van Casteren1,2, Edward Wright3, Kornelius Kupczik2
1Department of Anthropology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri.
American Journal of Physical Anthropology
|August 3, 2019
Summary
Western lowland gorillas seasonally consume Coula edulis seeds, demonstrating hard-object feeding. This behavior challenges their dentition, suggesting cultural transmission and a broader understanding of gorilla diets and australopith feeding mechanics.
Area of Science:
- Primate Ecology
- Paleoanthropology
- Bio-mechanics
Background:
- Gorilla diets typically include fruit and fibrous plants, with hard-object feeding being uncommon due to dental risks.
- The mechanical properties of woody endocarps pose a significant challenge to primate dentition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate seasonal hard-object feeding in western lowland gorillas.
- To determine if gorillas process the seeds of Coula edulis.
- To analyze the mechanical properties of Coula edulis seeds.
Main Methods:
- Observing feeding behavior of habituated western lowland gorillas over four years.
- Monitoring the phenology of fruiting trees, specifically Coula edulis.
- Conducting mechanical tests on Coula edulis endocarps.
Main Results:
- Gorillas were observed to consistently open Coula edulis seeds during the fruiting season (January, February, December).
- The endocarp of Coula edulis is stiff and mechanically challenging.
- A high ratio of elastic modulus to toughness in the endocarp allows for fracture under sufficient load.
Conclusions:
- Coula edulis seeds represent a nutritionally rich but dentally taxing food source for gorillas.
- This hard-object feeding behavior may be culturally transmitted.
- Gorilla diets are more diverse than previously thought, offering insights into australopith craniodental morphology.
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