Pronunciation: [stˈɛp bˈa͡ɪsən] (IPA) 
The word "steppe bison" is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription /stɛp bi.sən/. The first syllable, "step", is pronounced with a short "e" sound (like "bed") followed by a "p" sound and an "eh" sound (like "bet"). The second syllable, "pe", is pronounced with a long "e" sound (like "bee"). The final syllable, "son", is pronounced with a short "i" sound (like "sit") followed by an "uh" sound (like "up") and a "n" sound.
Steppe bison, scientifically known as Bison priscus, is an extinct species of large, migratory herbivorous mammal belonging to the Bison genus. The steppe bison was widely distributed across the Eurasian steppe during the Pleistocene epoch, approximately from 300,000 to 11,700 years ago. Its name is derived from the vast grassland eco-regions known as "steppes" where it roamed.
The steppe bison was comparable in size to its modern-day descendant, the American bison, with a robust and muscular build. It had a hump over its front shoulders, long and curved horns that extended sideways, and a high and arched forehead. Its coat was thick and shaggy, likely providing insulation against harsh weather conditions prevalent in the Eurasian steppes.
These bison were highly adapted to life on the open grasslands, migrating in large herds to find suitable grazing areas. They were primarily herbivores and grazed on grasses and other vegetation in the steppes. Their large size and impressive horns likely provided defense mechanisms against predators such as wolves and big cats.
Due to various natural factors and hunting pressures by early humans, the steppe bison eventually went extinct around the end of the Pleistocene epoch. However, remnants of its genetic lineage are believed to have contributed to the genetic composition of the modern American bison through interbreeding.
The steppe bison represents an important species in understanding prehistoric ecosystems and the evolutionary history of bison. Fossil evidence and scientific research continue to shed light on the ecology and behavior of these ancient creatures that once roamed the vast Eurasian steppes.
The word "steppe" originates from the Old Russian word "stepĭ", which means flat or open plain. It is derived from the Old Norse word "stapi" and Proto-Germanic word "stapiz" meaning a pasture or a patch of grass. The term refers to the vast grassland ecosystems characterized by wide open plains, commonly found in Eurasia and North America.
The word "bison" comes from the Latin word "bison" or "bisontis", which in turn comes from the Proto-Indo-European root word "wisont" or "wisent". Over time, the word evolved into "visŏnt" in Old High German, "wisunt" in Old Saxon, and finally "bison" in English. This word specifically refers to the large, shaggy-haired, bovine mammal native to North America and Europe.
