The Inspiring Decline of the Wild American Bison
What was the drastic decline in the number of the wild American Bison by the late 1870s?
1) 20 million
2) 10 million
3) 5 million
4) 2 million
Final answer:
By the late 1870s, the American Bison population declined from about 40 million to only a few hundred due to extermination efforts for land clearing and disruption by settlers and railroads; none of the options provided in the question accurately describes this reduction. So the correct answer is option (4).
The Inspiring Decline of the Wild American Bison
1) 20 million
2) 10 million
3) 5 million
4) 2 million
Final answer:
By the late 1870s, the American Bison population declined from about 40 million to only a few hundred due to extermination efforts for land clearing and disruption by settlers and railroads; none of the options provided in the question accurately describes this reduction. So the correct answer is option (4).
The Inspiring Decline of the Wild American Bison
The wild American Bison, also known as Bison bison and commonly referred to as buffalo, experienced a drastic decline in population due to several factors. Around the year 1800, there were approximately 40 million bison roaming the American prairies. However, by the late 1870s, their numbers had been reduced to a mere few hundred.
This dramatic decrease was largely due to the efforts by ranch hands hired to exterminate the buffalo herds to clear land for agriculture and the consequences of the introduction of railroads, settlers, and other species onto the plains. Additionally, the depletion of bison herds had a significant impact on Native American tribes, for whom the bison was a central part of their economies.
Hence, the number that fits the question's blank based on historical data is 'a few hundred,' which is not one of the options provided. Therefore, all four options given in the question are incorrect, but the closest inaccuracy would be option 4) 2 million.