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The Epic Interactive Encyclopedia 1998
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Epic Interactive Encyclopedia, The - 1998 Edition (1998)(Epic Marketing).iso
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B
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Bison,_Large
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1992-09-03
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Bison Large, hoofed mammal of the bovine
family. There are two species, both brown.
The European bison or wisent, Bison bonasus,
of which only a few protected herds survive,
is about 2 m/7 ft high and weighs a tonne.
The North American bison (often known as
`buffalo') Bison bison is slightly smaller,
with a heavier mane and more sloping
hindquarters. Formerly roaming the prairies
in vast numbers, it was almost exterminated
in the 19th century, but survives in
protected areas. Crossed with domestic
cattle, the latter has produced a hardy
hybrid, the `beefalo', producing a lean
carcass on an economical grass diet.