The big question of the internet in 2025: Could a single gorilla defeat 100 humans?

In the last days, the simple question of whether 1 gorilla can beat 100 men (or the other way around, if a hundred men could beat a gorilla) has unleashed a a real avalanche of debates and memes all over the internet. From TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) to Reddit and YouTube forums, millions of users have discussed the outcome of this unlikely but fascinating battle. The issue has gone beyond the meme, reaching Capture the attention of biology experts, primatology experts, and science communicators, who have added their voices to seek well-founded answers.

Although it may sound like a joke, Behind the question lies the interest in comparing our species with one of our closest relatives on the tree of life. The discussion served to reflect on what defines us as humans, the difference between strength and cooperation, and even the evolutionary virtues that have allowed Homo sapiens to occupy every corner of the planet.

The strength of the gorilla: an unstoppable muscle

It is indisputable that An adult gorilla is a prodigy of physical power. Silverback males can exceed 160 or even 200 kilos, with overwhelming musculature and a strength that, according to various scientific sources, allows them to lift figures close to 800 kilos, much more than any human record in deadlift. Furthermore, we cannot forget that his jaw and bite strength They leave the common human species far behind.

However, experts such as Tara Stoinski, president of the Dian Fossey Fund for Gorillas, have pointed out that Some data on the strength of these animals are inflated by myth. Although they are much stronger and more resistant than anyone, and could cause terrible damage in direct combat, They are not as aggressive as is often believed and, in their habitat, they rarely resort to violence except in self-defense.

In a one-on-one confrontation, no human would have a real choice: A single blow from the gorilla could result in very serious injuries, and the differences in size, reach and musculature would be insurmountable.

The human key: strategy, numbers and cooperation

However, the virality of the debate arises because It is not an individual fight, but 100 men against a single gorilla.. This is where the strengths of our species come into play: ability to organize, coordinate and be flexible in the face of challenges. Humans, even unarmed, could apply attrition tactics, attack from several fronts, surround the animal and rely on its numerical advantage.

In fact, scientists such as Renaud Joannes-Boyau and popularizers like Kaleb Judd agree that the human collaboration —the same one that allowed our species to survive against much stronger predators, hunt in groups, and modify the environment— could tip the balance in favor of people. Of course, they warn that The casualties would be numerous and the combat extremely violent and dangerous., especially if humans lack an effective strategy or underestimate the primate.

The true human “superpower” lies not in strength, but in the group thinking, communication and the ability to adapt the plan according to the situationOur ancestors survived not by being the strongest, but by being the most organized and cooperative.

Shared evolution, different paths

Beyond the spectacle, the debate reflects the evolutionary proximity between gorillas and humansWe share about 98,4% of our DNA, and gorillas are, after chimpanzees, our closest relatives. The two groups have followed distinct evolutionary paths: Gorillas dominate the forests and have developed great strength, but they also show complex social structures and remarkable emotional intelligence.

In their daily lives, gorillas remain calm and resort to intimidation to avoid unnecessary conflict. They even show empathic and grieving behaviors, which points to a rich mental and emotional life. But if gorillas have perfected small group living and physical endurance, humans have opted for social complexity, innovation and the ability to collaborate on a large scale.

The response of science and the expected result

Various scientific voices agree: In terms of pure strength, the gorilla wins effortlessly to any human. But when faced with 100 people, the balance is slowly moving towards the human sideNumbers, the ability to plan and wear out, and the ability to use tools, even rudimentary ones, could end up prevailing.

Some analyses indicate that a gorilla would manage to injure or kill many people before falling, but that Sooner or later the group would manage to subdue the animalAll of this, of course, in an artificial and extreme context, since such a situation would never occur in nature. This debate also helps debunk myths about gorillas: They are not aggressive monsters, but gentle and social animals., whose greatest real enemy is the destruction of its habitat by human action.

When we consider this question, it becomes clear that our curiosity to explore the physical and evolutionary limits of our species reflects a deep interest in understanding our position in nature and what differentiates us from other animals.