Introduction:
Differences in metabolic body-size between male and females can result in difference in feeding strategies (Harrison, 1983). Individuals feed to meet their energy requirements; larger animals have larger energy needs than smaller conspecifics, hence they must feed more (Harrison, 1983). This study was designed to gain a better understanding of sex differences in feeding in Gorillas. The main focus of this study is to assess whether males or females spend more time feeding. It is predicated that male gorillas will spend a greater amount and proportion of time feeding, due to their larger size.
Methods:
Observations were made at the Calgary Zoo during scheduled laboratory time (Thursdays, 2:00-4:45pm) November 19, 2015 and November 24, 2015; a group of Gorilla gorilla (gorillas) consisting of 5 individuals- Zuri, Kioja, Yewande, Dossi, and Kakinga- was studied. The group was made up of one silverback male (Kakinga) and four females (Dossi, Kioja, Zuri, and Yewande). I recorded the behaviour (feed, play, move, …show more content…
During the observation period, Dossi, Kioja, and Zuri spent over half of the time (53.83%, 66.29% and 69.70%-respectively) stationary (Table 1). Zuri spent the most amount of time stationary (31.32 minutes) (Table 1). None of the gorilla individuals engaged in grooming behaviour- either grooming others or being groomed (Table 1). Also, no aggressive behaviour was recorded (Table 1). Yewande spent the most time (26.55 minutes) feeding (Table 1). Feeding accounted for the largest proportion of Kakinga’s time budget (46.83%) (Table 1). The mean percentage of time for females (Dossi, Kioja, Zuri, and Yewande) was 22.69% (Figure 1). Kakinga spent more time feeding than all females, except Yewande (Table 1 and Figure 1). Feeding accounted for a greater proportion of the male observation time than female observation time (Table 1 and Figure
Differences in metabolic body-size between male and females can result in difference in feeding strategies (Harrison, 1983). Individuals feed to meet their energy requirements; larger animals have larger energy needs than smaller conspecifics, hence they must feed more (Harrison, 1983). This study was designed to gain a better understanding of sex differences in feeding in Gorillas. The main focus of this study is to assess whether males or females spend more time feeding. It is predicated that male gorillas will spend a greater amount and proportion of time feeding, due to their larger size.
Methods:
Observations were made at the Calgary Zoo during scheduled laboratory time (Thursdays, 2:00-4:45pm) November 19, 2015 and November 24, 2015; a group of Gorilla gorilla (gorillas) consisting of 5 individuals- Zuri, Kioja, Yewande, Dossi, and Kakinga- was studied. The group was made up of one silverback male (Kakinga) and four females (Dossi, Kioja, Zuri, and Yewande). I recorded the behaviour (feed, play, move, …show more content…
During the observation period, Dossi, Kioja, and Zuri spent over half of the time (53.83%, 66.29% and 69.70%-respectively) stationary (Table 1). Zuri spent the most amount of time stationary (31.32 minutes) (Table 1). None of the gorilla individuals engaged in grooming behaviour- either grooming others or being groomed (Table 1). Also, no aggressive behaviour was recorded (Table 1). Yewande spent the most time (26.55 minutes) feeding (Table 1). Feeding accounted for the largest proportion of Kakinga’s time budget (46.83%) (Table 1). The mean percentage of time for females (Dossi, Kioja, Zuri, and Yewande) was 22.69% (Figure 1). Kakinga spent more time feeding than all females, except Yewande (Table 1 and Figure 1). Feeding accounted for a greater proportion of the male observation time than female observation time (Table 1 and Figure