The species includes a 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐲𝐦: 𝐺𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑎 𝑔𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑎 𝑔𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑎, the western lowland gorilla. Found in lowland rainforests from Cameroon to the Congo, it is the most widespread gorilla subspecies and the one most often seen in zoos.
#TautonymTuesday #TaxonomyTuesday #Systematics Photo: Tuxyso
𝐺𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑎 𝑔𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑎 has a robust build, long arms, and a primarily herbivorous diet of leaves, stems, & fruit. They live in cohesive family groups and communicate through vocalizations, body language, and even chest‑beating displays.
#TautonymTuesday #TaxonomyTuesday #Systematics Photo: Charles Sharp
This species is typically found in shallow coastal waters, including lagoons and estuaries. By living near burrows and soft substrates, it plays a role in benthic ecosystems, recycling nutrients and linking invertebrate prey to larger predators.
#TautonymTuesday #Systematics Photo: Klaus Stiefel
𝑂𝑝𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑜𝑚𝑢𝑠 𝑜𝑝𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑜𝑚𝑢𝑠 is a burrow‑associated goby with an elongated body and a distinctive spine on the cheek region. It often rests near or within burrows, darting out to feed on small invertebrates while staying close to shelter.
#TautonymTuesday #TaxonomyTuesday #Systematics Photo: Chris Spain
It’s a very special #TautonymTuesday! 𝐺𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑎 𝑔𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑎, the western #gorilla, is native to the forests of Cen. Africa. It’s the largest living #primate, known for immense strength, social #intelligence, & complex group structures led by dominant silverbacks.
#Systematics Photo: Anil Oxtaz
Ted Stankowich
Ted Stankowich
Ted Stankowich
Ted Stankowich
Ted Stankowich
Western gorillas play a key role as seed dispersers, helping maintain forest ecosystems. But they are Critically Endangered due to habitat loss, hunting, & disease, including Ebola outbreaks that have severely impacted populations.
#TautonymTuesday #TaxonomyTuesday #Systematics Photo: Diego Delso
Ted Stankowich
It’s #TautonymTuesday! Meet 𝑂𝑝𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑜𝑚𝑢𝑠 𝑜𝑝𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑜𝑚𝑢𝑠, the spinecheek goby. This Indo‑Pacific species inhabits sandy and muddy coastal habitats, where its subtle coloration helps it blend into the seafloor and avoid predators.
#TaxonomyTuesday #Systematics Photo: US National Parks Service
Ted Stankowich
These specimens will be used in our classes and public education programs for years to come!
