What classification describes white tigers relative to Panthera tigris tigris?
Answer
They represent a distinct color morph within the Bengal tiger population.
White tigers are fundamentally Bengal tigers, scientifically designated as Panthera tigris tigris, that exhibit a specific visual variation in coloration. They are explicitly stated not to be a separate species or subspecies. The distinction lies solely in the expression of a particular genetic trait that alters pigmentation. This specific variation, known as a color morph, means that while their appearance is drastically different due to the absence of orange pigment, their underlying species classification remains unchanged from the standard orange Bengal tiger. This is a crucial distinction in taxonomy and understanding their genetics.
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