Why do bison body-slam trees?
Show notes
Did you know that American bison help prevent grasslands from turning into forests by body-slamming young trees? And that they once lived in herds so enormous they stretched all the way to the horizon?
This week, we travel to the grasslands of Montana with Dr. Andy Boyce, a research ecologist at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. Discover why bison live in herds, how they defend themselves from predators, and why scientists call them a keystone species. Along the way, you'll learn how these giant mammals help shape entire grassland ecosystems simply by grazing, digging, dust bathing, and being itchy!
➡️ Part of the Wild Critters USA series, created with PBS Nature and the National Wildlife Federation https://linktr.ee/wildcritters
➡️ Learn more about American bison from the Smithsonian National Zoo: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/american-bison
Orbit Family Conversation Starters!
- If you could have one bison superpower, which would you choose and why?
- Why do you think animals like bison choose to live in groups instead of by themselves?
Continue learning as a family!
- Think about a prairie ecosystem compared to a forest ecosystem. What plants and animals might live in each?
- What are some examples of predators and prey that live in the wild - similar to grizzly bears and bison!
➡️ Explore the Smithsonian's Great Plains Science Program: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/conservation/great-plains-science
➡️ Visit the Smithsonian's "Bison: Standing Strong" exhibit: https://naturalhistory.si.edu/exhibits/bison-standing-strong
➡️ Learn more about American Prairie and bison conservation: https://americanprairie.org/
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