A gorilla's senses are probably comparable to a human's but they have not been studied extensively.
A. Hearing.
Since visibility is often restricted by dense vegetation, hearing is important for
gorillas to locate one another and to detect danger. Gorillas seem to respond to unusual
noises that are not a part of their normal activity (Schaller, 1963). See communication.
B. Eyesight.
1. Gorillas have good eyesight which is used for finding and identifying food and to
spot movement. As daytime herbivores they probably have color vision, a useful adaptation
for finding ripening fruits in treetops (Dixson, 1981).
2. Gorilla eyes focus closer than human eyes, so gorillas appear nearsighted while
studying grooming matter and food items closely (Schaller, 1963).
C. Smell.
1. Gorillas have a good sense of smell and are able to detect strong odors in the
environment such as human sweat or the musk of an unknown gorilla.
2. Subordinate males use a female's odor to determine her reproductive status (Dixson, 1981).
Scientific Classification|Habitat and Distribution|Physical Characteristics and Special Adaptations|Senses|Behavior|Diet and Eating Habits|Reproduction|Birth and Care of Young|Communication|Longevity|Conservation
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