Here's the breakdown:
Bison:
* Scientific name: *Bison bison*
* Location: North America
* Appearance: Large, hump-backed, shaggy coat, short horns, thick, dark brown fur
* Behavior: Herd animals, generally peaceful but can be aggressive if threatened
Buffalo:
* Scientific name: *Bubalus bubalis* (water buffalo) and *Syncerus caffer* (African buffalo)
* Location: Asia (water buffalo) and Africa (African buffalo)
* Appearance: Water buffalo: large, muscular, water-loving, have horns that curve outward and upwards
* Appearance: African buffalo: stocky, dark brown fur, large, heavy horns, fierce and unpredictable
Key differences:
* Location: Bison are native to North America, while buffalo are found in Asia (water buffalo) and Africa (African buffalo).
* Appearance: Bison have a distinct hump and shaggy coat, while buffalo have a more muscular build and different horn shapes.
* Behavior: Bison are generally peaceful, while African buffalo are known to be fierce and unpredictable.
The Misconception:
The confusion arises because early European settlers in North America encountered the American bison and mistook them for the African buffalo, which they were familiar with. This misconception has persisted over time, leading to the widespread use of the term "buffalo" for the North American bison.
In Conclusion:
While the term "buffalo" is commonly used for the North American bison, it is technically incorrect. It's best to use the term "bison" when referring to the North American species.