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The comparison between Gorilla muscles vs human muscles is a contest for strength, power and endurance. Gorillas are man’s closest relative, with the two species having a lot in common. Research has shown that gorillas share about 98% of our DNA.
Although we have a similar genetic composition to gorillas, our bodies have evolved differently to fit our lifestyles. One of the areas we differ is the structure and functioning of our muscles.
In this article, we will compare the gorilla muscles and those of humans to establish which one is stronger. Let us get started!
Gorilla Muscle Vs Human Muscle: Which is Stronger?
While humans have evolved remarkably to attain their apex in the animal kingdom, we still trail behind gorillas regarding muscle strength. To paint the contrast clearly, let us take a look at the anatomical structure of each of these species.
On average, adult male Gorillas can grow to 5.6 feet when standing upright and weigh above 150 kilograms. They have a muscular body with broad shoulders and long forelimbs with pronounced biceps and triceps.
In contrast, the average adult human male stands at around 5.7 to 6 feet tall and weighs between 70 to 90 kilograms. Unlike gorillas, human bodies don’t exhibit a uniform physique and size across different races.
Additionally, humans have narrower shoulders and shorter arms compared to gorillas. While we also have biceps and triceps, ours are not as naturally predominantly pronounced as those of gorillas. Instead, human macular development is influenced by factors like individual fitness routine and genetics.
Gorillas have a higher muscle density with fast twitch muscle fibres, allowing them to perform brief-intensity tasks like jumping from trees. Their large skeletal structure also allows them to pack more muscles, making them stronger than humans.
It is estimated that gorillas are at least 20 times stronger than humans. According to the Guinness World Book of Records, a gorilla can lift up to 815, almost twice a human’s record weight. This proves that our muscles do not match that of gorillas.
What Makes Gorillas Stronger Than Humans?
We have established that a gorilla is stronger than 20 adult humans combined. But what unique factors make them so strong?
1. Gorillas Have Higher Testosterone Levels
Testosterone is a male hormone responsible for developing and maintaining male reproductive tissues and secondary sexual characteristics. Gorillas, being highly sexually dimorphic animals, produce more testosterone hormones compared to humans.
Testosterone acts as an anabolic hormone that promotes muscle growth and development. The elevated level of this hormone in gorillas contributes to the development of larger and more pronounced muscles compared to humans.
Testosterone also enhances protein synthesis within muscle cells. This means that male gorillas with naturally higher hormone levels are more capable of building and repairing muscle proteins.
Apart from its direct effect on muscles, testosterone also influences bone density and strength. Gorillas have an enhanced bone density that supports muscles attached to the skeletal structure. This combination of robust muscles and strong bones greatly contributes to the remarkable strength of gorillas.
2. Muscle Mass Density
Gorillas are strong animals with a dense muscle mass than humans. On average, a mature male gorilla can weigh up to 150 kilograms, with a significant portion of the weight coming from their developed muscles.
Their bodies are densely packed with muscles, creating a visually imposing physique. This high muscle mass density provides the foundation for impressive strength and power.
Gorillas also have a powerful core musculature. Its chest, abdomen and back host well-developed muscles that form a powerful core that provides stability and support for various activities. These dense core muscles allow gorillas to perform tasks like climbing trees or ground movement efficiently.
3. Gorillas Have Stronger Arms
Gorillas have evolved to possess muscular arms, especially in the biceps and triceps regions. The muscular development in this region is an adaptation to the functional demands of their environment.
Gorillas spend considerable time climbing trees, foraging and engaging in activities that require powerful upper limb strength.
Additionally, gorillas move by swinging from branch to branch using their arms. The muscular arms are essential for executing these swings with precision and power. In contrast, human arms cannot endure such intense movements for long.
4. Gorillas Have Ape Muscle Insertion
The muscles in gorillas are strategically connected to their skeletal structure, providing them with a biomechanical advantage.
The muscle insertions to the bines have slightly different attachment points than humans. This gives gorillas more leverage off the bone fulcrum, amplifying the force their muscles generate.
5. Gorillas Have High-Twitch Muscle Fibers
Unlike humans, gorillas have high twitch muscle fibres, which are specialized for generating quick and forceful contractions. Fast twitch muscle fibres do well in producing short bursts of intense force. These muscles are necessary to sustain explosive movements like climbing, lifting and swift ground manoeuvres.
Conversely, humans have low-twitch muscle fibres that allow for prolonged endurance activities like marathon running. While we can train our muscles to be strong, it is unlikely to outperform the gorilla’s high twitch muscle fibres in a strength contest.
Can a Human Fight a Gorilla?
Gorillas are herbivores and hardly clash with humans. However, they are very territorial animals that would put up a spirited fight to defend their territories from intruders. While gorillas are not as intelligent as we are, they are vicious fighters with the power and agility to take on the strongest men.
Engaging in a physical fight with a gorilla is dangerous and strongly discouraged since no human being stands a chance to win. If a human walked away from such a fight, it could be because the gorilla deliberately allowed them to.
These primates are extremely powerful, with greater strength and physical abilities than humans. Their sharp teeth, strong arms fitted with sharp claws, and their build physique guarantee them a victory against a human.
Tips to Avoid Gorilla Attacks
While Gorillas are peaceful and docile towards humans, it is crucial to exercise caution around them to avoid provoking attacks. Some of the things you could do include;
1. Maintain a Safe Distance
Gorillas are very protective of their territory, and an unwelcome intrusion will provoke an attack. Maintain a safe distance of not less than 23 feet from gorillas in the wild.
Keeping your distance will ensure that your presence does not intimidate them, which will help maintain a peaceful coexistence.
2. Stay Calm and Quiet
Gorillas are sensitive to their surroundings, and sudden noises or erratic behaviour can be perceived as threatening. When interacting with gorillas in the wild, remember to stay calm, move slowly and avoid making loud noises to prevent disturbing them.
3. Avoid Direct Eye Contact
Like humans, gorillas rely heavily on nonverbal cues to communicate, including eye contact. Prolonged eye contact with gorillas can be mistaken for a challenge, inviting an unprovoked attack.
To be safe, keep your gaze averted and minimize eye contact to show submission.
4. Observe Social Cues
Like many animals, gorillas display certain behaviours to show agitation or discomfort. Pay close attention to the gorillas’ behaviours and any signals they may give.
The most common cues to watch out for include vocalizations, intense staring, thumping or drumming, and charging. If a gorilla shows any signs of discomfort or agitation, respect these cues and give them space, or it might escalate the confrontation.
5. Travel in Small Groups
Travelling in small groups minimizes the potential for disturbing gorillas in their habitat. Additionally, large groups may be perceived as more threatening, further agitating the gorillas.
Fun Facts About Gorillas
- Gorillas are social animals known for their strong family bonds, dominated by silverback males. These family units provide protection, support and social interaction crucial for the well-being of each member.
- Gorillas are intelligent primates capable of using tools, learning sign language in captivity and showcasing problem-solving skills.
- Despite their intimidating looks, gorillas are primarily herbivores with a diet of plants, leaves, fruits and stems.
- Each gorilla has a unique nose print, similar to a human fingerprint. Researchers use these nose prints in the wild to identify individual gorillas, aiding in population monitoring.
- Gorillas are endangered species due to habitat loss, poaching, and diseases like Ebola. All four gorilla subspecies are currently classified as endangered, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts to protect them.
Conclusion
The contest between gorilla muscle vs human muscle is one that humans cannot win. While humans and gorillas share a common ancestry, our primate cousins evolved to possess the strongest muscles of all primates.
Their huge skeletal structures provide a broader surface to pack more muscles necessary to endure their strenuous lifestyles. Additionally, gorillas have high twitch muscles capable of producing explosive bursts of power.
These physical adaptations, coupled with the elevated testosterone in gorillas, make them twenty times as powerful as humans. Their sheer size and strength make them formidable opponents, even against humans.
