A tiger's stripes are on its skin, not just its fur.

Tiger stripes are not merely a surface feature of the fur but are actually rooted in the animal's epidermis. The dark pigment cells, known as melanocytes, are present in the skin itself and dictate the color of the hair follicles that grow from them. This biological trait is similar to how a person with a tattoo on their arm would still show the design even if the hair over it was removed.Research conducted by geneticists, including studies published in journals like 'Nature Communications', suggests that specific genes like Taqpep and Edn3 control these patterns. These genes determine the spacing and thickness of the stripes during embryonic development. Because the pattern is embedded in the skin, it remains consistent throughout the tiger's entire life regardless of shedding or physical grooming.Conservationists and researchers use these unique skin-deep patterns to track individual tigers in the wild. Since no two tigers have the same arrangement of stripes, photographic databases allow for precise population monitoring without the need for invasive tagging. This natural 'barcode' is essential for protecting endangered subspecies like the Bengal or Siberian tiger.The evolutionary purpose of these stripes is disruptive coloration, which breaks up the tiger's silhouette in tall grass or dense jungle. By mimicking the play of light and shadow on the forest floor, the tiger can approach prey within 30 feet before being detected. This adaptation is a masterclass in biological engineering, combining skin pigmentation and fur texture for ultimate survival.