Tigers are one of the most iconic and admired animals on Earth. These imposing felines are known for their impressive size, beautiful striped coat and powerful presence.

Image of Marcel Langthim via Pixabay

History of the tiger

The history of the tiger dates back millions of years. Tigers, as we know them today, belong to the species Panthera tigris, which is estimated to have evolved around two million years ago. They belong to the feline family (Felidae), which share a common ancestor with other big cats such as lions, leopards, and jaguars.

The saber-toothed tiger

Before the appearance of modern tigers, their famous prehistoric relatives, the saber-toothed tigers, lived on Earth. Although not directly related to today's tigers, saber-toothed tigers were impressive predators that became extinct around 10,000 years ago. They had huge, extended canines that could be up to 18 inches long. These canines were probably used to capture and kill large prey.

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