Chimpanzee vs. Gorilla — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 25, 2023
A chimpanzee is a species of great ape native to Africa, known for its intelligence and social behavior. A gorilla is another species of great ape, also native to Africa, known for its strength and predominantly herbivorous diet.
Difference Between Chimpanzee and Gorilla
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Chimpanzees are generally smaller, with a more slender body and longer arms relative to their body size. Gorillas are larger and more robust, with a stockier build and shorter arms compared to their body size.
Chimpanzees live in various habitats, including forests and savannas, and are known for their complex social structures and tool use. Gorillas primarily inhabit forests and exhibit a more peaceful, family-oriented social structure.
Chimpanzees are omnivorous and consume a varied diet, including fruits, leaves, insects, and even small mammals. Gorillas are mainly herbivorous, primarily feeding on leaves, stems, and fruits.
Comparison Chart
Meaning
African great ape species
Another species of great ape
Physical Differences
Smaller, slender, longer arms
Larger, stockier, shorter arms
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Habitat and Behavior
Live in various habitats, complex social structure
Primarily forest dwellers, family-oriented
Diet
Omnivorous, varied diet
Mainly herbivorous, leaves, fruits
Species
Two species: common chimpanzee and bonobo
Two species: western and eastern gorilla
Compare with Definitions
Chimpanzee
A species of great ape found in Africa, including common and bonobo types.
Common chimpanzees and bonobos are the two main chimpanzee species.
Gorilla
A species of great ape, with western and eastern gorilla variations.
Western gorillas and eastern gorillas are distinct subspecies.
Chimpanzee
An African great ape known for intelligence and social behavior.
Chimpanzees are remarkable for their ability to use tools in the wild.
Gorilla
A herbivorous ape species, vital to forest ecosystems through seed dispersal.
Gorillas play a key role in maintaining forest biodiversity.
Chimpanzee
A highly intelligent primate species exhibiting complex social structures.
Chimpanzee communities often engage in cooperative hunting.
Gorilla
One of the largest primates, sharing a common ancestor with humans.
Gorillas are among the closest living relatives to humans.
Chimpanzee
A primate native to Africa, sharing a close genetic relationship with humans.
Research on chimpanzees has provided insights into human evolution.
Gorilla
A large African great ape known for its strength and herbivorous diet.
Gorillas primarily feed on plant material, including leaves and fruits.
Chimpanzee
The chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes), also known as the common chimpanzee, or simply chimp, is a species of great ape native to the forest and savannah of tropical Africa. It has four confirmed subspecies and a fifth proposed subspecies.
Gorilla
Gorillas are ground-dwelling, predominantly herbivorous great apes that inhabit the tropical forests of central Sub-Saharan Africa. The genus Gorilla is divided into two species: the eastern gorillas and the western gorillas, and either four or five subspecies.
Chimpanzee
Either of two African apes of the genus Pan, having black hair, a bare face, somewhat arboreal habits, and a high degree of intelligence.
Gorilla
Either of two large apes (Gorilla gorilla or G. beringei) native to the forests of equatorial Africa, having a stocky body and coarse dark brown or black hair.
Chimpanzee
The common chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes), of equatorial central and western Africa, having a stockier build than the bonobo (P. paniscus).
Gorilla
A powerfully built, aggressive, and often crude man.
Chimpanzee
Pan troglodytes, a species of great ape in the genus Pan, native to Africa, and believed by biologists to be the closest extant relative to humans along with the bonobo.
Gorilla
A thug.
Chimpanzee
(broadly) A member of the genus Pan, including the bonobo which is also known as the pygmy chimpanzee.
Gorilla
The largest of the apes, belonging to the genus Gorilla, native to the forests of central Africa and known for their trait of knuckle-walking.
Chimpanzee
An african ape (Pan troglodytes, formerly Anthropithecus troglodytes, or Troglodytes niger) which approaches more nearly to man, in most respects, than any other ape. It is the most intelligent of non-human animals, and when full grown, it is from three to four feet high. A variant called the pygmy chimpanzee, or bonobo, has been recently recognized as a separate species.
Gorilla
A big and brutish man or a thug; a goon or ruffian.
Chimpanzee
Intelligent somewhat arboreal ape of equatorial African forests
Gorilla
(informal) A powerful person or organization; a heavyweight or behemoth.
Chimpanzee
An ape species known for its problem-solving abilities and tool use.
Chimpanzees have been observed crafting tools to extract termites from mounds.
Gorilla
A large, arboreal, anthropoid ape of West Africa. It is larger than a man, and is remarkable for its massive skeleton and powerful muscles, which give it enormous strength. In some respects its anatomy, more than that of any other ape, except the chimpanzee, resembles that of man.
Gorilla
Largest anthropoid ape; terrestrial and vegetarian; of forests of central west Africa
Gorilla
An impressive primate species characterized by its peaceful, family-oriented social structure.
Gorilla troops are led by a dominant silverback male.
Common Curiosities
Do gorillas and chimpanzees share any common behaviors or traits?
Both gorillas and chimpanzees are highly intelligent, exhibit complex social structures, and share a genetic closeness to humans.
Are gorillas and chimpanzees endangered species?
Yes, both gorilla species and chimpanzees are considered endangered due to habitat loss and poaching.
Are gorillas and chimpanzees part of conservation efforts?
Yes, both species are the focus of conservation programs aimed at preserving their populations and habitats.
How do gorillas protect themselves in the wild?
Gorillas rely on their large size and dominant silverback males to deter potential threats.
What is the importance of gorillas in forest ecosystems?
Gorillas play a crucial role in seed dispersal, aiding in the regeneration of plant species in their habitats.
What is the primary diet of gorillas?
Gorillas primarily consume leaves, stems, and fruits, making them herbivorous.
What is the main geographic range of chimpanzees?
Chimpanzees are primarily found in tropical rainforests and savannas across central and West Africa.
What is the primary threat to gorillas and chimpanzees in the wild?
The primary threats to these species are habitat destruction, poaching, and the illegal wildlife trade.
What are some similarities between humans and gorillas or chimpanzees in terms of DNA?
Humans share a high percentage of genetic similarity with both gorillas and chimpanzees, indicating a common ancestry.
What is the key difference between common chimpanzees and bonobos?
Common chimpanzees are known for their more aggressive behavior, while bonobos are often characterized by their peaceful and matriarchal social structure.
Do gorillas and chimpanzees form family units?
Yes, both species live in family groups led by dominant males, and they exhibit complex social hierarchies.
How do gorillas and chimpanzees communicate with each other?
They communicate using a combination of vocalizations, body language, and facial expressions to convey emotions and establish social bonds.
Are gorillas and chimpanzees featured in scientific research?
Yes, they have been subjects of scientific research, contributing to our understanding of primate behavior, cognition, and evolution.
Are gorillas and chimpanzees found in zoos and sanctuaries?
Yes, gorillas and chimpanzees are often housed in zoological institutions and rescue sanctuaries as part of conservation and educational efforts.
How long do gorillas and chimpanzees typically live in the wild?
Gorillas and chimpanzees have lifespans of around 35 to 40 years in the wild, while they can live longer in captivity.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
