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1)) Read the passage. 4)) Bison and buffalo belong to the Bovidae, or cattle, family, but they are different species and have distinct characteristics. Many people refer to the creatures that once roamed the American West as buffalo; however, these animals are actually American bison, and they are only found in North America. On the other hand, two species of buffalo-the cape buffalo and the water buffalo-are found in Africa and Asia, respectively. Unlike the American bison, which has short horns similar to those of cows, buffalo have broad, sweeping horns. In addition, the American bison has a broad head carried low and a massive hump at the shoulders. In contrast, buffalo don't have shoulder humps and their heads are smaller than the bison's. What is the main, or central, idea of the passage? American bison are often mistakenly called buffalo, but the two creatures are quite different. American bison can be distinguished from buffalo by the size and shape of their horns. Buffalo and American bison are both members of the Bovidae family.

Ask by Welch Adkins. in the United States
Feb 22,2025

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The main idea is that American bison are often called buffalo, but they are different from true buffalo.

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Mind Expander

American bison are often mistakenly referred to as buffalo, but they are distinct species with unique characteristics. For example, while bison are primarily found in North America and showcase a massive shoulder hump, buffalo, such as the cape buffalo and water buffalo, are located in Africa and Asia and lack this distinctive hump. These differences in morphology highlight the diversity within the Bovidae family! When trying to distinguish between bison and buffalo, one common mistake is focusing solely on their horns. While it’s true that bison have short, cow-like horns and buffalo have broad, sweeping horns, it's important to look at other features too—the bison's broader head and the massive hump are also key characteristics that set them apart. So next time you see these magnificent creatures, impress your friends with your newfound knowledge!

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