The Wrestlers Diet
Ligers are the offspring of lions and tigers, the result of species interbreeding in a closed environment like a zoo, or through artificial insemination. Sleek and muscular, with tawny, lion-like pelts adorned with faded tan tiger stripes, ligers are the aristocrats of the feline world. Lounging in their zoo habitats, they look somewhat like giant house cats. In fact, ligers are the largest of the Panthera genus, 100 times larger than the average domestic feline. How big is big? Ligers have been known to grow twice the size of their parents.
The Genetics of Lion and Tiger Mating
Why the super-size? According to Sarah Hartwell of Messybeast.com, in an article entitled "Why Are Ligers So Much Bigger Than Tigons?", it comes down to genetics. Lions are social, and live in prides. When in heat, a lioness may mate with two or more males. The lions’ genes have different goals. The males want their offspring to survive and thrive over their rivals’ offspring, so their genes are programmed towards size and strength. The lioness, however, wants all the unborn cubs to survive. Her genes tend to level the playing field, inhibiting growth to give all her offspring a better chance at survival.
Tigers are different. They’re loners, and a tigress usually takes only one mate. Gene competition between males is not a factor, so there’s no need for a gene encouraging larger cubs. The tigress’s checks and balances aren’t needed, so her cubs can grow uninhibited.
