What species classification applies to white tigers, which are often mistaken for a separate type?
Answer
Panthera tigris tigris—the Bengal tiger
White tigers are not a distinct species, nor are they classified as albinos. Genetically, they belong entirely to the subspecies *Panthera tigris tigris*, commonly known as the Bengal tiger. Their white coloration is simply a rare color variation or mutation occurring within this established subspecies. They share the exact species designation as their standard orange counterparts, meaning the difference lies purely in the expression of coat pigment genes rather than a fundamental split in species classification. This genetic quirk results in the visual difference without changing their underlying taxonomy.
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