The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is: American bison are often mistakenly called buffalo, but the two creatures are quite different.
Explanation
This statement best captures the central idea of the passage because it encompasses the two primary points the author makes. The entire text is structured to first identify a common error and then correct it with specific evidence.
The passage begins by immediately establishing the core conflict: while bison and buffalo are related, they are “different species and have distinct characteristics.” It then directly addresses the common mistake, noting that “Many people refer to the creatures that once roamed the American West as buffalo; however, these animals are actually American bison.” This directly supports the first part of the correct answer, which highlights the naming confusion.
The remainder of the passage is dedicated to proving the second part of the statement, that “the two creatures are quite different.” The author provides a series of contrasting details to support this claim. These details fall into two categories. First, there are geographical differences. The text specifies that American bison are found only in North America, while true buffalo, like the cape buffalo and water buffalo, live in Africa and Asia. Second, the author lists several distinct physical traits. These include differences in their horns, with bison having short horns and buffalo having broad, sweeping ones. Furthermore, the American bison is described as having a massive shoulder hump and a broad head, both of which are absent in buffalo.
The other options are incorrect because they are too narrow. Stating that they can be distinguished by their horns is true, but it is only one of several supporting details, not the main idea. Similarly, mentioning that both are members of the Bovidae family is a factual starting point, but the passage’s main purpose is to elaborate on their differences, not this shared classification. Therefore, the chosen answer is the only one that comprehensively summarizes the passage’s full argument.
