silverback
Mature male ape
A silverback is a mature male gorilla, typically over twelve years old, named for the distinctive patch of silver-gray hair that develops across the back with age.
Silverbacks are the dominant leaders of gorilla groups, responsible for protection and decision-making.
The term extends figuratively to any older, dominant male in a group: The silverback of the department finally retired after thirty years.
Higher mammal order member
- troopMobile group, organized
- knuckle-walkingWalking on bent fingers
- chest-beatingOstentatious self-aggrandizement
- dominanceSuperior influence over others
hierarchy · territorial · foraging · nesting · grooming · vocalization · infant · quadrupedal
First Greek letter
- patriarchMale head of family
- leaderOne who guides others
- authorityPower to enforce obedience
- chiefTop-ranking leader
elder · head · protector · hierarchy · territorial · chest-beating · display · intimidation
Contractile body tissue
- powerEnergy transfer rate
- massiveExtremely large and heavy
- brawnMuscular power, bodily might
- mightGreat physical strength
robust · formidable · imposing · muscular · broad-shouldered · intimidating · stocky · barrel-chested
At risk of extinction
- habitatOrganism's natural environment
- poachingUnlawful wildlife capture
- sanctuaryProtected sacred space
- ecotourismConservation-minded nature tourism
Rwanda · Uganda · protection · habituation · tracking · anti-poaching
Growing older over time
- seniorHigher in rank
- grizzledStreaked with gray
- seasonedFlavored or battle-tested
- experiencedHaving practical knowledge gained
veteran · prime · full-grown · adult · distinguished · developed · established
primate
Higher mammal order member
- troopMobile group, organized
- knuckle-walkingWalking on bent fingers
- chest-beatingOstentatious self-aggrandizement
dominance · hierarchy · territorial · foraging · nesting · grooming · vocalization · infant · quadrupedal · ape
alpha
First Greek letter
chief · elder · head · protector · hierarchy · territorial · chest-beating · display · intimidation · commanding
muscle
Contractile body tissue
might · robust · formidable · imposing · muscular · broad-shouldered · intimidating · stocky · barrel-chested
endangered
At risk of extinction
- habitatOrganism's natural environment
- poachingUnlawful wildlife capture
- sanctuaryProtected sacred space
ecotourism · Rwanda · Uganda · protection · habituation · tracking · anti-poaching
aging
Growing older over time
experienced · veteran · prime · full-grown · adult · distinguished · developed · established
- primatesape, apes, baboon, baboons, monkey
- hominidshuman, humans, chimpanzee, chimpanzees, gorilla
- African apesgorilla, chimpanzee, bonobo, mountain gorilla, lowland gorilla
- eastern gorillasmountain gorilla
- Apeschimpanzee, gorilla, orangutan, gibbon, bonobo
silverbackinfant
Very young child
juvenile · youngster · immature · adolescent