Question

Which state in India is the only home to White Asiatic Tiger in the world?
(A) West Bengal
(B) Gujarat
(C) Orissa
(D) Madhya Pradesh

Answer 1

Hint: The white tiger is also called a bleached tiger. It is the pigmentation variant of Bengal Tiger. White tiger is a variety of tiger that shows the variety of pigmentation of Bengal Tiger. The white colour of fur in White Asiatic Tiger is due to the lack of red and yellow pheomelanin pigment that gives orange coloration.

Complete answer:
Pheomelanin pigment is the pigment that is responsible for red or orange colouration. White Asiatic Tigers are found in the wild form timely. They are present in different states of India such as Madhya Pradesh, Assam, West Bengal, Bihar and Orissa. They are also found in the Sunderban regions. Their presence is remarkably marked in the former state of Rewa. The white Bengal tigers are unique and distinct due to the colour of their fur. The white Asiatic tigers grow faster than the orange Bengal tiger. Their unique coloration occurs only when both the parents carry unusual genes for white colouring. A large number of white tigers are in captivity worldwide. Due to their unique white fur colouration they are kept at zoos as a source of entertainment and amusement. About one-hundred numbers of white tigers are found in India. The lifespan of white Asiatic Tiger is $10 - 20$ years. This white tiger belongs to the Phylum Chordata.
West Bengal is the only home to white Asiatic tigers in the world.

Hence, the correct answer is option (A)

Note: The World’s first ‘White Tiger Safari’ is situated in Madhya Pradesh. White tigers occur only when both the parents carry recessive genes for coat colour breeding together.