What specific health problems are linked to inbreeding in captive white tigers?
Answer
Crossed eyes (strabismus), spinal curvature, and kidney issues
The necessary practice of intensive captive breeding, often involving closely related animals like siblings or parents and offspring to maintain the rare recessive trait, leads directly to severe inbreeding depression. This genetic bottleneck concentrates deleterious recessive genes across the population. Consequently, numerous physical abnormalities arise. Reported issues specifically include strabismus, which means having crossed eyes, alongside structural problems such as spinal curvature and internal organ issues like kidney problems. Jaw alignment issues are also reported consequences stemming from this restricted gene pool management.
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