Tiger

## Evolutionary Timeline of the Tiger The tiger (*Panthera tigris*) is a majestic big cat whose evolutionary history traces back to the early felids. Tigers evolved in response to changing climates, habitat shifts, and prey dynamics, particularly during the Pleistocene ice ages. Key pressures included glacial periods that influenced migration and adaptation to diverse environments like forests and grasslands. ### Key Milestones - **Oligocene (25-30 MYA)**: Emergence of early felid ancestors like *Proailurus*, small, tree-dwelling carnivores adapting to forested environments. - **Miocene (10-6 MYA)**: Divergence of the Pantherinae subfamily, with ancestors like *Pseudaelurus* developing larger bodies and powerful jaws for hunting bigger prey amid grassland expansion. - **Pliocene (3-2 MYA)**: Split of the *Panthera* genus; tiger lineage begins in Asia, influenced by cooling climates and the rise of megafauna. - **Pleistocene (2 MYA - 10,000 YA)**: Tigers diversify into subspecies, adapting to ice age fluctuations with traits like striped camouflage for ambush hunting in varied terrains. - **Holocene (10,000 YA - Present)**: Human expansion and habitat loss pose new pressures, leading to conservation challenges for modern tigers.