Chest beating is a behavior demonstrated by gorillas that can serve as a non-vocal form of communication. Recent research highlights the potential for chest beating to serve as an honest signal (i.e., a signal that accurately reflects some characteristic of the signaler) of competitive ability of male mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei), through the relationship of acoustic properties with chest volume.

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.