What structures support the massive muscular hump of the Wood Bison?
Answer
Unusually long neural spines on the thoracic vertebrae
The defining massive muscular hump situated over the shoulders of the Wood Bison is structurally supported by specific elements of their skeletal system. This prominent feature relies on the presence of unusually long neural spines extending from the thoracic vertebrae, which serve as the necessary anchor points for the extensive musculature of the neck and shoulders. This robust skeletal and muscular architecture is vital for supporting the animal's heavy head and enabling the powerful swinging motion used during foraging through dense vegetation or snow, as well as during defensive confrontations.
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