리스닝

Historical records indicate almost complete decimation of North American bison

populations, which only in recent years have been restored to sustainable numbers. The
reading passage is, however, too quick to place the blame of bison endangerment on
human activity. Let me give you a few examples of why the reading passage is incorrect.

Firstly, if bison population endangerment was directly related to human consumption, then
we would expect to see that bison population numbers reduced in tandem with the
western movement of early North American settlers. This is not the case, however, as
historical records indicate no reduction of herd population from east to west. Instead,
records indicate a geographic reduction in herd numbers starting in the west.

Secondly, bison are the largest, toughest, and possibly most aggressive North American
grazing species.

The assertion in the reading passage that cattle and horses forced bison out of their
natural grassland grazing habitats is a bit far -fetched. Bison are not easily intimidated
animals and would have no problem competing with cows and horses, largely domestic
and docile creatures for food. Furthermore, bison habits included cold and mountainous
regions, areas that cows and horses would find quite unsuitable for living and grazing.

Lastly, placing the blame on rifle improvements is wholly erroneous. Newly improved rifles
have the same mortality rate as the traditional bow and arrow hunting methods and older
rifles. Looking at similar large game animals in other areas of the world, we do not see
evidence to support gun technology advancements as a reason for population decline. If