Writing Based on Reading and Listening Read the following passage. In the 19th century North American bison populations

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 activities. 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 westward 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. But 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 habitats 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 had the same mortality rate as the traditional bow and arrow hunting methods and older rifles. Now, 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 this were the case, we would expect to see drastic reductions of other large, wild beasts following the introduction of new rifle technology.