Yes, tigers are in the phylum Chordata. The phylum Chordata includes all animals that have a notochord at some stage of their development. This notochord is a flexible, rod-shaped body that provides support. In tigers, as in other vertebrates, the notochord is present during the embryonic stage and is later replaced by the vertebral column (spine).
Tigers, like all mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish, belong to the subphylum Vertebrata within the phylum Chordata. This means they have a backbone or spinal column, which is a key characteristic of vertebrates. The presence of this backbone supports their body structure and protects the spinal cord, which is crucial for their nervous system.
In summary, tigers are classified within the phylum Chordata because they possess a notochord during their embryonic development and have a vertebral column as adults. This classification places them among a diverse group of animals that share these fundamental characteristics.