Chest beating is a behavior often seen demonstrated by gorillas which can serve as a non-vocal form of communication. Recent research highlights the potential for chest beating to serve as an honest-signal of competitive ability, through its acoustic properties and relation to chest volume, for male mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei).

Art and sketch by: Cassidy Cooper

[Edited by Isabelle McDonald]

Reference:

Wright, E., Grawunder, S., Ndayishimiye, E., Galbany, J., McFarlin, S.C., Stoinski, T.S. and Robbins, M.M., 2021. Chest beats as an honest signal of body size in male mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei). Scientific reports, 11(1), pp.1-8.