* Stability and traction: Bison hooves are large, wide, and have a tough, rubbery pad underneath. This design provides excellent stability and traction on the uneven, sometimes slippery terrain of the prairie. It allows them to navigate rough ground, steep slopes, and even muddy conditions with ease.
* Defense: The hooves are strong and sharp, serving as a formidable weapon against predators. A kick from a bison can be powerful enough to seriously injure or even kill a wolf or other predator.
* Foraging: Bison graze on grasses and plants found on the prairie. Their hooves help them move efficiently across vast distances to find food. They can even dig through the snow to reach grass in the winter.
* Digging and wallowing: Bison use their hooves to dig for water in dry conditions, and they also wallow in mud to cool down and get rid of parasites.
In short, bison hooves are a key adaptation that allows them to thrive in the prairie environment. They provide stability, defense, foraging efficiency, and even aid in thermoregulation, making them essential for the bison's survival.