Lecture Notes: Gorilla vs. 100 Men Debate

Introduction

• Popular internet debate: Who wins in a fight, a gorilla or 100 unarmed men?
• Team Gorilla: Believes a silverback is incredibly strong and would easily win.
• Team Human: Thinks 100 men could overwhelm the gorilla.

Gorilla's Physical Attributes

• Adult male silverback gorilla:
  • Height: 5 to 6 feet
  • Weight: 350 to 450 pounds
  • Strength: Can snap banana trees, hurl logs heavier than a grown man.
  • Bite Force: 1,300 PSI, stronger than a lion, comparable to a tiger.
• Diet: Leaves, stems, and fruit, yet incredibly strong without meat or gym.

Hypothetical Fight Scenarios

• Punch Impact:
  • A punch could launch a human 20 feet.
  • Capable of deadlifting over 1,800 pounds.
  • Punch could cause severe bodily harm.
• Speed:
  • Can sprint up to 25 mph, faster than most humans even on a bike.
• Bite Impact:
  • Rarely used, but devastating when executed.
  • Could crush coconuts, break bones, and cause severe injury.

Interaction Dynamics

• Grab and Slam:
  • Gorillas slam rather than wrestle; can cause severe bodily harm.
• Charge:
  • Chest beating and roar precede a charge.
  • A 400-pound gorilla charging at 25 mph delivers over 4,000 Joules of kinetic energy.

Psychological Warfare

• Intimidation:
  • Mere presence can trigger fight or flight, causing severe psychological stress.
• PTSD: Post-Gorilla Stress Disorder is a potential long-term consequence.

Group Dynamics in Hypothetical Scenario

• Gorilla Troop:
  • Silverbacks can command troops of up to 30 gorillas.
  • Coordinate effectively, unlike humans.
• Outcome: Even if numbers win, psychological trauma remains.

Conclusion

• Overall Outcome:
  • Both parties suffer losses.
  • Even if gorilla is defeated, surviving men are left traumatized.
  • The real challenge is surviving the encounter, not winning.

Closing Remarks

• Advice: Discourage engaging in such hypothetical debates.
• Recommendation: Avoid attempting to physically challenge nature's formidable creatures.

Remember: Always respect wildlife and understand the power dynamics of the natural world.