Bison

Name meaning:

Ancient bison

Period of life:

240 000–10 000 years ago

Period:

Quaternary period

Habitat:

Steppes

Taxonomy:

Mammals

Countries:

Thylacinus

Haikouichthys

Bison (240 000–10 000 years ago)

What does the name mean: The name Bison antiquus comes from the Latin word bison (“bison”) and antiquus (“ancient” or “old”).

The ancient bison (Bison antiquus) was an extinct species of large herbivore that inhabited North America during the Late Pleistocene. For more than 200,000 years these animals played an important role in prairie ecosystems, leaving behind numerous fossils of great interest to paleontologists.

Ancient bison were significantly larger than modern American bison (Bison bison). Their height reached 2.27 meters, body length 4.6 meters, and mass ranged from 800 to 1,588 kg. One of their most notable features was their large horns, which could span up to 106 centimeters. These horns served for defense against predators such as the dire wolf (Aenocyon dirus) and the American lion (Panthera atrox), and were also used in displays of strength and in establishing herd hierarchy.

Fossils do not preserve information about the coat color of ancient bison, but it can be assumed that their coloration was adapted to the environment and served camouflage and thermoregulatory functions. Their coat was probably lighter and more uniform during summer to reduce overheating, while in winter it likely became thicker and darker, providing improved insulation in cold climates.

The skeleton of the ancient bison reflects adaptation to the harsh conditions of the Ice Age. The massive head with a broad forehead and powerful jaws allowed efficient processing of tough vegetation that formed the basis of the diet. Strong limbs adapted for long migrations enabled these animals to travel great distances in search of grazing areas.

The ancient bison (Bison antiquus) was a key species of Late Pleistocene ecosystems. Its grazing activity influenced vegetation structure, creating conditions that supported other animals. The study of Bison antiquus fossils allows scientists to reconstruct ancient landscapes, analyze climatic changes, and investigate species interactions in the past.

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