What physical structures does the wood bison use to sweep snow aside for foraging in winter?
Answer
Massive head and powerful neck muscles
Wood bison possess specialized morphological features evolved for severe northern winters. When deep snowfall covers their preferred forage, they do not use their feet like many other ungulates. Instead, they utilize their massive head and powerful neck muscles to execute a strenuous shoveling action, sweeping the snow away to uncover edible plants beneath. This activity is supported by the skeletal structure and strong ligaments associated with their large, forward-peaking shoulder hump, which evolved specifically to power this digging mechanism.
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