What is gape?

Gape is a term commonly used to describe the opening of an animal's mouth. It is the space between the upper and lower jaws that allows an animal to breathe, eat, and communicate. The size and shape of an animal's gape can vary greatly based on its species and diet. For example, some birds have large gapes to help them catch insects on the wing, while predators such as lions and bears have wider gapes to help them deliver powerful bites to their prey. The term "gapeworm" is also sometimes used to describe a parasitic worm that can infect birds and cause respiratory problems.