Cheetahs: The Fastest Land Animal
Cheetahs are widely known as the fastest land animals on Earth and for a good reason. These graceful cats can reach speeds up to 70 mph, but what enables them to go so fast? Read on to find out!
Anatomy Of A Cheetah
The cheetah‘s slender body is part of what helps it achieve its incredible speed. These big cats have long legs and flexible spines, allowing them to stretch out and cover more ground in less time. They also have a large heart and lungs that will enable them to take in more oxygen, an enlarged liver with higher iron content for better endurance, and more giant nostrils that help maximize airflow.
How Do Cheetahs Achieve Such High Speeds?
Cheetahs use their powerful back legs to propel themselves forward with bursts of energy. They also tuck their tails close to their bodies when sprinting to keep balance and maintain their speed. Another factor is the cheetah’s aerodynamic build which minimizes drag from wind resistance, allowing it to reach top speeds even faster than other animals.
What Is The Fastest Speed Ever Recorded By A Cheetah?
In 2012, a female cheetah named Sarah set the world record for any animal’s fastest recorded speed, clocking at 75 miles per hour! In addition, she could cover 100 meters in 5.95 seconds – about four times shorter than Usain Bolt’s time for that distance.
Other Fun Facts About Cheetahs
Cheetahs are one of the few species of cat that cannot retract their claws; they use them like cleats when they sprint over soft surfaces or dunes. This helps increase traction while running at high speeds! They also have tear lines instead of full stripes along their faces, which help keep the glare out of their eyes while hunting prey.
