The Shocking Vastness of Prairie , Part 3
Summary
Hosts Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick continue their prairie series by examining bison as ecosystem engineers. They explain how bison wallowing creates micro-habitats that boost plant and amphibian diversity. The episode then shifts to coyotes, tracing their evolution from subordinate mesopredators to resilient survivors. The hosts discuss historical misconceptions and the species' massive range expansion across North America.
Topics discussed
Sponsors and Intro: ChatGPT Work, State Farm, Ebglys, Grainger
Series Recap: Prairie Ecosystem, Grizzlies, Madness, and Mima Mounds
Bison as Eco-Regulators: Grazing and Tree Suppression
Bison Wallowing Behavior: Causes and Mechanisms
Ecological Impact of Wallows: Wetlands and Biodiversity
Sponsors: ChatGPT Work, PrEP, Ebglys, and State Farm
Research on Wallows: Konza Prairie Study and Amphibian Habitats
The Coyote: History, Names, and Cultural Perceptions
Sponsors and Coyote Expansion: Urban Adaptation
Coyote Range Expansion and Apex Predator Vacuum
Failed Eradication Efforts and Pack Dynamics
Conclusion: Coyote Resilience and Podcast Sign-off
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