The degree of facial feature distortion is on the rise in certain endangered gorilla species, along with their level of inbreeding. Facial asymmetry in primates – including humans – is marked by a sort of spiraling of the facial features around a central point just above the jaw. Once thought to be a consequence of early life challenges, a new study in gorillas suggests that the phenomenon may result from inbreeding, says Kate McGrath at the University of Bordeaux, in France. "It's either that inbreeding is somehow directly affecting their facial development, or that [being] inbred is making them more susceptible to … illness or other things that pop up in early life," she says. Or it may be a combination of both factors, she adds.

A pack of Silverback Mountain gorillas in Uganda were caught for the first time on camera performing a supper serenade. Filmmakers captured the unique ritual by placing a robotic'spy' that resembles a young gorilla deep in the jungle. The team designed the animatronic machine with realistic eye movements, as wild gorillas communicate with each other through eye contact, and a submissive demeanor with the hopes it would be accepted by the pack. Along with the singing, the footage shows the gorillas screamed a'chorus of appreciation' while eating and provided evidence that they are extremely gassy. A pack of Silverback Mountain gorillas in Uganda were caught for the first time on camera performing a supper serenade.