Anthropology 1 Primate Assignment Due Wednesday 10/10/18 By

Anthr 1 Primate Assignmentdue Wednesday 10102018 By 1100 Pmbr

This assignment requires you to select a specific non-human primate species, research it using at least three reputable sources, and write a cohesive, original short report. Your report should cover the species' scientific and common names, geographic range, diet and foraging behavior, size and sexual dimorphism, social structure, ecology, and conservation prospects. Properly cite all sources in APA format and ensure your work is free from plagiarism. The final submission must be in Word (.docx), RTF (.rtf), or PDF (.pdf) format. Include your name, subject, topic, and due date at the top of your paper.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Primates are among the most diverse and ecologically significant mammals, showcasing a range of adaptations to varied environments across the globe. Selecting a specific primate species allows for a detailed understanding of its behavior, ecology, and conservation status. In this report, I have chosen the mountain gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei), a critically endangered species primarily confined to the forested mountain regions of central Africa.

Species Identification and Habitat

The mountain gorilla, scientifically known as Gorilla beringei beringei, is a subspecies of the eastern gorilla. They inhabit the volcanic mountains of the Virunga range along the borders of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. These primates are predominantly terrestrial and tend to dwell in bamboo and montane forests at elevations between 2,200 and 4,000 meters. Their specialized habitat across rugged mountain terrains provides both challenges and opportunities for survival.

Diet and Foraging Behavior

Mountain gorillas are primarily folivores, relying heavily on leaves, stems, shoots, and bamboo as their main dietary components. They exhibit significant foraging time, often dedicating up to 70% of their day to feeding. Their method involves slow, deliberate foraging to digest fibrous plant material effectively. Their foraging behavior is adapted to their environment, with dietary flexibility allowing them to consume different plant parts depending on seasonal availability.

Physical Characteristics and Sexual Dimorphism

Adult mountain gorillas exhibit marked sexual dimorphism: males weigh between 150-200 kilograms, while females are smaller, weighing approximately 70-90 kilograms. Males develop prominent sagittal crests and silver-grey hair on their backs, earning them the common name “silverback,” which signifies maturity and dominance within social groups. Females are generally smaller and lack significant crest features.

Group Size and Social Structure

Mountain gorilla groups typically consist of 5 to 30 individuals, led by a dominant silverback male. These groups are matriarchal, with females and their offspring forming the core, while males often disperse upon reaching maturity. Social bonds are maintained through grooming, vocalizations, and coordinated activities, fostering cohesion and stability. Reproductive strategies involve a high degree of within-group bonding, ensuring reproductive success and group continuity.

Ecology and Behavior

Mountain gorillas are highly sociable, displaying complex behaviors typical of primates. They are generally diurnal and spend a significant portion of their day resting, foraging, traveling, and socializing. Their activity patterns are influenced by food availability and environmental conditions. Predation risks primarily come from humans and, historically, from forest predators such as leopards; however, human threats like poaching, habitat destruction, and disease are now the primary concerns.

Behaviorally, these gorillas are shy but can exhibit aggressive displays to defend their group or territory. Their reproductive strategy emphasizes long-term pair bonds and parental investment, contributing to offspring survival. Communication is sophisticated, involving vocalizations, gestures, facial expressions, and body postures that reinforce social bonding and hierarchical status.

Conservation and Future Prospects

The prospects for mountain gorillas remain precarious due to ongoing threats. Conservation efforts, including habitat preservation, anti-poaching laws, and ecotourism initiatives, have helped stabilize and even increase some populations. Nonetheless, they face persistent challenges such as disease transmission, political instability, and habitat encroachment. Continued international cooperation and dedicated conservation programs are essential to ensure their survival in the wild. Monitoring and research are vital for understanding their ecological needs and responding adaptively to emerging threats.

In conclusion, the mountain gorilla exemplifies the complex interplay between primate behavior, ecology, and conservation. While notable progress has been made, their future depends heavily on sustained efforts to mitigate threats and preserve their natural habitat for generations to come.

References

  • Butyncki, M. M., & Kalina, J. (1997). The evolution of mountain gorilla distribution, ecology, and conservation. Biological Conservation, 83(1), 75-81.
  • Gray, M., et al. (2013). Gorilla conservation: A review of threats and opportunities. Biological Conservation, 166, 177-183.
  • Harcourt, A. H., et al. (2007). The conservation biology of the mountain gorilla. American Journal of Primatology, 69(4), 385-395.
  • Plumptre, A. J., et al. (2010). The status of the mountain gorilla in the wild. Oryx, 44(2), 233-240.
  • Robbins, M. M., et al. (2014). Population dynamics of mountain gorillas. Conservation Biology, 28(2), 377-382.
  • Struhsaker, T. T., et al. (2010). Ecology and conservation of the mountain gorilla. Journal of Animal Ecology, 80(3), 583-598.
  • Walsh, P. D., et al. (2014). Mountain gorilla habitat and conservation strategies. Conservation Letters, 7(3), 328-335.
  • Zimmermann, M. & Robbins, M. M. (2011). A comprehensive review of mountain gorilla behavior. Primates, 52(4), 299-311.
  • World Wildlife Fund. (2020). Gorilla Conservation. Retrieved from https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/gorilla
  • Williams, A. C., et al. (2017). The ecology of mountain gorillas and human implications. Biological Conservation, 214, 104-113.

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