Which two specific woody plant leaves are incorporated into the wood bison's summer diet when available?
Answer
Willow and silverberry
While their foundation is grass and sedge, wood bison demonstrate opportunistic feeding behaviors based on seasonal availability, particularly as temperatures rise in the summer. During this warmer period, the diet is supplemented with leaves derived from woody plants found in their environment. Specifically, leaves from willow shrubs and silverberry shrubs become part of the intake. In certain populations, such as the Mackenzie group, willow leaves can represent a substantial portion of the early to mid-summer consumption, showcasing flexibility beyond their obligate grazing status.
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