Question

the reason buffalo were driven to extinction while at the same time cattle were thriving is that
cattle were more sympathetic creatures.
demand for buffalo meat was low, discouraging production.
western expansion required killing the indians main resource.
the price of buffalo hides was very low.
cattle were owned by ranchers whereas buffalo were wild.

Explanation:

To determine the correct answer, we analyze each option:

• "cattle were more sympathetic creatures" is illogical as sympathy doesn't drive survival/extinction.
• "demand for buffalo meat was low" is incorrect; buffalo were hunted heavily, implying demand (for hides, etc.) was high.
• "Western expansion required killing the Indian's main resource" is a historical context but not the primary economic/ownership - based reason for buffalo extinction vs. cattle thriving.
• "the price of buffalo hides was very low" is wrong; high demand for hides (for leather, etc.) led to overhunting.
• "cattle were owned by ranchers whereas buffalo were wild" is correct. Ranchers had an incentive to protect and breed cattle (as private property), while buffalo, being wild, had no one to protect them from overhunting for hides, meat, etc.

Answer:

E. cattle were owned by ranchers whereas buffalo were wild.