The American buffalo is one of the icons of the United States of America and, along with the bald eagle, can be found depicted on various coins and flags throughout the nations history.
In recent times it is considered by some to be more accurate to refer to the New World buffalo as a bison, since it is not in the same genus as the two buffalo of the Old World.
The argument is debatable however, because the old world buffalo do not share a genus either, and there is a fourth animal called the gaur or "Indian bison", which belongs in yet another separate genus, with different lineage.
The fact is, there is little confusion in identifying the animal, particularly when the term "American buffalo" is used, and just as we commonly say "dog" and "cat" instead of "Canine" and "feline", the common term should not be considered incorrect.
The animal has been referred to as a "buffalo" - which is a form of a French word "boeuff", simply meaning "large cow", and from which the word "beef" also comes - throughout its history, and the word "buffalo" has been used in reference to the American animal as far back as 1635.
The American buffalo is not found to be referred to as a bison until 1774. When people speak of the American bison and the American buffalo they refer to the same animal.
Source: Animal Facts Encyclopedia >_>
In any case, when I was saying it in my head, as I've been saying it in my head the entire time I've been here, I've been saying "the majestic buffalo" in a fucked up stereotypical native american accent... because I find it hilarious.
I used to work at Yellowstone when I was younger, so this is a pet peeve of mine.
Yes, someone can say buffalo and be taking about a bison, but that doesn’t mean they are right.
Simply googling ‘buffalo vs bison’ will reiterate this, instead of finding a single source that supports my point.
The length of your response suggests you took offense to my initial comment, and for that I apologize. I have seen too many parents/people trying to teach the wrong things about animals.
In recent times it is considered by some to be more accurate to refer to the New World buffalo as a bison, since it is not in the same genus as the two buffalo of the Old World.
The argument is debatable however, because the old world buffalo do not share a genus either, and there is a fourth animal called the gaur or "Indian bison", which belongs in yet another separate genus, with different lineage.
The animal has been referred to as a "buffalo" - which is a form of a French word "boeuff", simply meaning "large cow", and from which the word "beef" also comes - throughout its history, and the word "buffalo" has been used in reference to the American animal as far back as 1635.
The American buffalo is not found to be referred to as a bison until 1774. When people speak of the American bison and the American buffalo they refer to the same animal.
In any case, when I was saying it in my head, as I've been saying it in my head the entire time I've been here, I've been saying "the majestic buffalo" in a fucked up stereotypical native american accent... because I find it hilarious.
Yes, someone can say buffalo and be taking about a bison, but that doesn’t mean they are right.
Simply googling ‘buffalo vs bison’ will reiterate this, instead of finding a single source that supports my point.
The length of your response suggests you took offense to my initial comment, and for that I apologize. I have seen too many parents/people trying to teach the wrong things about animals.