Traveler on gorilla safaris in Africa have always been wondering: – since gorillas are herbivore, why do they have big canines? Well, teeth aren’t just for chomping meat. In particular, the gorilla’s long–sharp canine teeth are used for display, especially when it is threatened or trying to fend off other male gorillas competing for dominance.

Gorillas also eat a variety of heavy twigs, bamboo shoots, and barks  of trees, which requires strong and sharp teeth, to crush all that tough plant material.