What is the difference between a gorilla and a chimpanzee?

Gorillas and chimpanzees are both primates and part of the great ape family, but they differ in many ways:

1. Size & Build

Gorillas are the largest primates. Adult males (silverbacks) can weigh 140–200 kg (310–440 lbs) and are very muscular with broad chests and shoulders.

Chimpanzees are much smaller, weighing 40–60 kg (88–130 lbs) on average, and are slimmer and more agile.

2. Physical Features

Gorillas have larger heads, shorter arms compared to their body size, and a more robust appearance.

Chimpanzees have longer arms relative to their legs, smaller heads, and more expressive faces.

3. Behavior & Social Structure

Gorillas live in relatively peaceful family groups led by one dominant silverback male.

Chimpanzees live in larger, more complex social communities with shifting alliances. They are more aggressive and competitive.

4. Diet

Gorillas are mostly herbivorous, eating leaves, stems, fruit, and shoots.

Chimpanzees are omnivorous—they eat fruit, plants, insects, and sometimes hunt small animals (even monkeys).

5. Intelligence & Tool Use

Both species are intelligent, but chimpanzees are more famous for tool use (using sticks to fish for termites, stones to crack nuts, etc.).

Gorillas can also use tools, but it’s less common.

6. Habitat

Gorillas are found in central Sub-Saharan Africa (lowland and mountain forests).

Chimpanzees are found across West and Central Africa, usually in forests and savannas.

7. Locomotion

Both knuckle-walk, but chimpanzees are better climbers and spend more time in trees.

Gorillas are primarily ground-dwellers.

👉 In short: Gorillas are bigger, stronger, and more peaceful plant-eaters, while chimpanzees are smaller, more agile, social, and versatile omnivores.

29 Replies to “What is the difference between a gorilla and a chimpanzee?”

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