In a hypothetical fight between 100 men and a single silverback gorilla, the outcome is complex and depends on factors like coordination, stamina, and the gorilla's strength. Gorilla Strength and Abilities:
- A silverback gorilla weighs between 300 to 485 pounds (136 to 220 kg) and is 4 to 6 feet tall.
- Gorillas have about 1.5 to 2 times the muscle mass of humans and are estimated to be 4 to 10 times stronger than an average human, especially in upper body strength.
- A gorilla can exert pulling forces over 1,800 pounds (816 kg) and can cause severe blunt trauma with its powerful arms.
- They have strong jaws with a bite force around 1,300 PSI and large canine teeth.
- Gorillas are not endurance athletes; their muscles are built for short bursts of power rather than stamina
Humans' Advantages:
- 100 men collectively have a huge numerical advantage.
- Humans can cooperate, coordinate, and attack in waves, potentially wearing the gorilla down over time.
- Humans have greater endurance and can plan tactics, which might allow them to surround and restrain the gorilla.
- However, humans in this scenario are typically assumed unarmed and not trained fighters
Expert Opinions:
- Tara Stoinski (Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund) suggests that while a gorilla is much stronger, the sheer number of humans working together could eventually overpower it, though not without casualties.
- Michelle Rodrigues (primatologist) agrees that a gorilla would likely avoid confrontation but would be at a disadvantage against 100 coordinated humans.
- Ron Magill (Zoo Miami) believes humans could win by enveloping the gorilla but would suffer serious injuries.
- Cat Hobaiter (University of St Andrews) argues that if humans attack one by one, the gorilla would easily prevail, but coordinated group attacks change the dynamics
Summary:
- One gorilla is vastly stronger and more powerful than a single human.
- Against 100 men, the gorilla's strength advantage is challenged by the men's numbers, coordination, and stamina.
- The gorilla could inflict serious injuries and possibly kill some men, but if the men work together effectively, they have a plausible chance to win.
- The fight would be brutal and dangerous for the humans, and the gorilla would likely try to avoid such a scenario in reality
In conclusion, while a gorilla is individually much stronger and more dangerous than any single human, 100 coordinated men would likely have the upper hand due to their numbers and ability to strategize, though not without significant risk and casualties.
