Final answer:
The term 'silverback' refers to a mature male gorilla, which has distinctive silver or gray hair on its back and typically serves as the leader of the family group.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term "silverback" is referring to a mature male gorilla, specifically of the species known as the Western Lowland gorilla or the Eastern gorilla. These gorillas are members of the great apes and are recognized for their distinct silver or gray hair on their backs, which signifies their mature status within gorilla society. The Western Lowland gorilla, as noted, is one of the several subspecies of gorillas and is the largest of the hominids, weighing between 309-397 lbs. Likewise, the Eastern gorilla also possesses this characteristic silver coloring on the back of mature males. The term "silverback" also denotes the role of the leader within a gorilla family group, who is responsible for the safety and well-being of the troop.