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What Proportion of Androstanes in a Mountain Gorilla's Urine is Testosterone?

Published in Gorilla Testosterone Proportion 2 mins read

For a mountain gorilla, testosterone accounts for 24% of the androstanes present in its urine.

Understanding Gorilla Testosterone Levels

When discussing testosterone levels in gorillas, it's important to clarify what "how much" refers to. Based on scientific studies, data specifically pertains to the proportion of testosterone relative to other steroid hormones (known as androstanes) found in their urine. These studies indicate that gorillas, like other great apes, produce testosterone along with several other immunoreactive steroid peaks.

While testosterone is a primary male hormone, its metabolic pathway and excretion can vary among species. The concentration found in urine is a reflection of these metabolic processes.

Comparative Androstane Proportions in Great Apes

The proportion of testosterone among urinary androstanes varies significantly across different great ape species. While testosterone is a prominent component in the urine of all examined apes, its percentage differs considerably:

Species Proportion of Testosterone in Urine
Human 85%
Bonobo 59%
Chimpanzee 59%
Mountain Gorilla 24%

This data shows that while humans typically excrete a high proportion of testosterone (85%) relative to other androstanes in their urine, mountain gorillas exhibit a much lower proportion, at 24%. This means that in mountain gorillas, a larger percentage of the urinary androstanes are other related steroid compounds rather than testosterone itself.

Key Considerations

  • Urinary Proportion vs. Blood Levels: It's crucial to understand that this figure represents the proportion of testosterone within urinary androstanes, not an absolute measure of testosterone concentration in the blood (e.g., ng/dL) or total body production. Blood plasma levels can fluctuate based on various factors like age, reproductive status, social hierarchy, and stress.
  • Species Specificity: The 24% figure is specific to mountain gorillas. Other gorilla subspecies might show slight variations, though comprehensive comparative data on urinary androstane proportions across all gorilla subspecies might vary.
  • Metabolic Differences: The differing proportions among ape species suggest variations in their steroid hormone metabolism and excretion pathways. Understanding these differences can provide insights into their unique physiologies and evolutionary adaptations.

For more general information on gorillas and their biology, you can refer to reputable sources such as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).