Tiger
Overview
The Tiger (Panthera tigris) is the largest cat species, reaching a total body length of up to 3.38 m (11.1 ft) over curves and weighing up to 388.7 kg (857 lb) in the wild. Its most recognisable feature is a pattern of dark vertical stripes on reddish-orange fur with a lighter underside. The species is classified in the genus Panthera with the lion, leopard and jaguar. Like all felids, tigers are carnivorous, and primarily prey on ungulates such as deer and bovids. They are territorial and generally solitary but social animals, often requiring large contiguous areas of habitat that support their prey requirements. This, coupled with the fact that they are indigenous to some of the more densely populated places on Earth, has caused significant conflicts with humans.
Skeletal System
Like humans and many other birds and animals, felids (of which the tiger is one) have an endoskeleton, meaning that it is inside the body (as opposed to an external shell). Its skeleton comprises hard, strong bones held together by ligaments, rather than cartilaginous structures. The internal organs are then protected within this sturdy structure. The structure of the skeleton of a tiger is similar to that of other big cats in the wild, particularly the lion. The details of the bones, ligaments and how they have been put together reveal much about the habits and make-up of this extraordinary creature