BISON LATIFRONS Meaning and
Definition
-
Bison latifrons, often referred to as the giant bison or broad-fronted bison, is an extinct species of large, herbivorous mammal that belonged to the bovine family and lived during the Pleistocene epoch. This species is distinct from the modern-day American bison and is recognizable for its exceptionally large size.
The dictionary definition for Bison latifrons would describe it as a prehistoric bovine species characterized by its broad and flattened horns, measuring up to 7 feet wide from tip to tip. It stood tall at the shoulder, with estimates suggesting it reached a height of around 7 to 9 feet and could weigh up to 2,000 to 3,000 pounds. Bison latifrons inhabited parts of North America, primarily in what is now known as the United States, during the Pleistocene period, which lasted from approximately 2.6 million to 11,700 years ago.
Based on fossil evidence and paleontological studies, it is believed that this species was a grazer, feeding on grasses and other low-lying vegetation. Bison latifrons likely lived in herds and roamed across vast grasslands, adapting to different environments as they migrated. The species eventually became extinct due to a combination of climate change and overhunting by early humans.
Due to its imposing size and unique features, Bison latifrons holds significant importance in paleontology and provides valuable insights into the rich biodiversity of North America during the Pleistocene era.
Etymology of BISON LATIFRONS
The word "bison" is derived from the Latin word "bison" or "bisontis", which ultimately comes from the Proto-Indo-European *gʷṓws, meaning "ox" or "cow". It was later adopted into Middle English as "bysen" and eventually evolved into the modern English term "bison".
The term "latifrons" is also of Latin origin. It combines the Latin words "latus", meaning "wide" or "broad", and "frons", meaning "forehead" or "front". "Latifrons" literally translates to "wide forehead".
