What habitat niche historically defined the range of the Plains Bison relative to the Wood Bison?
Answer
Plains Bison dominated the open prairies further south.
A crucial element in understanding the subspecies difference is their specialization in habitat. Historically, the Wood Bison evolved to thrive within the confines of the dense boreal forests and associated parkland environments located in the northern reaches of their range. In contrast, the Plains Bison adapted to and dominated the more open ecological setting characterized by prairies located further to the south, illustrating a clear geographic and environmental separation between the two groups.
Related Questions
What physical trait distinguishes the Wood Bison hump from the Plains Bison hump?Which protected area serves as the single most significant location and primary stronghold for Wood Bison populations?What was the ESA status change for the Wood Bison in the United States?Which two Canadian jurisdictions define the borders spanned by Wood Buffalo National Park?What historical factor was responsible for the drastic reduction of the Wood Bison’s traditional territory?What habitat niche historically defined the range of the Plains Bison relative to the Wood Bison?Which Alaskan reintroduction site is noted as establishing a viable population where Wood Bison had been absent for decades?Besides WBNP, what geographical features within Canada host smaller, managed Wood Bison groups?What ecological benefit do satellite herds outside WBNP provide for species adaptability assessment?Which region in the United States was Wood Bison once extirpated from due to historical overhunting?