There is a world somewhere between reality and fiction. Although ignored by many, it is very real and so are those living in it. This forum is about the natural world. Here, wild animals will be heard and respected. The forum offers a glimpse into an unknown world as well as a room with a view on the present and the future. Anyone able to speak on behalf of those living in the emerald forest and the deep blue sea is invited to join.
I agree with issues completely Guate, therefore I kept pointing out under that my theory is under those assumptions. I don't really have any argument against your points. Rather, I'd like to build off them.
Why would robustness of the metapodials change post Toba-catastrophe when the Sunda forms already underwent such a change in your opinion?
Having a pandemic tiger population would not prevent ecotype formation, as tigers getting from China to Java at significant rates is unlikely, causing the differences you have pointed out. Distance can be enough of a allopatric speciation factor. P. atrox and P. fossilis were pandemic technically, but the distance diverged the lineages a bit.
Correct, I also feel that the Javan tiger's oddly large feet and larger dentition are a remnant of its ancestor. Ecologically, it's doubtful that such a large carnivore would be restricted to a small range as well, therefore I highly doubt the Ngandong tiger was restricted to Java (which did not exist as we know it today anyhow). Before I try to give my take on the tiger lineage expansion, what order do you guys have? The lack of fossils make everything much more difficult to argue or prove.