121902D-2.jpg | A Wanderer's Tales

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Mountain Gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei)
Virunga Volcanoes - Parc National des Volcans, Rwanda

Gasindikira from Group 13 in Parc National des Volcans, Rwanda stuffs a wad of (Carduus Nyassanus) in his mouth. Commonly eaten species such as gallium, nettles or thistles have natural defense mechanisms such as barbs and stinging needles. These natural defenses must be overcome before they can be consumed. Given that these plants can comprise a high percentage of a gorillas’ diet, a repeatable method of processing them for consumption is necessary. How these skills are acquired is the real question. Research shows that the infants learn these complex manual processing skills primarily through observation and practice.

Filename: 121902D-2.jpg
Copyright: © 2002 Gene G. Eckhart
Image Size: 1225x800 / 384.6KB; www.geneeckhart.com
Contained in galleries: Mountain Gorillas

Mountain Gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei) <br />
Virunga Volcanoes - Parc National des Volcans, Rwanda <br />
<br />
Gasindikira from Group 13 in Parc National des Volcans, Rwanda stuffs a wad of (Carduus Nyassanus) in his mouth. Commonly eaten species such as gallium, nettles or thistles have natural defense mechanisms such as barbs and stinging needles. These natural defenses must be overcome before they can be consumed. Given that these plants can comprise a high percentage of a gorillas’ diet, a repeatable method of processing them for consumption is necessary. How these skills are acquired is the real question. Research shows that the infants learn these complex manual processing skills primarily through observation and practice.