Specialist Sprinter
This cat is truly built for speed! Virtually every part of its body is adapted in some way to help it run faster. Special paw pads and semi-retractable claws provide great traction.
Large nostrils and lungs provide quick air intake; a large liver, heart and adrenals also facilitate a rapid physical response.
A long, fluid, greyhound-like body is streamlined over light bones. Small collarbones and vertical shoulder blades help lengthen the stride.
The tail acts as a rudder for quick turning
plus the eye's retinal fovea is of an elongated shape, giving the cheetah
a sharp, wide-angle view of its surroundings.
The dark tear marks beneath each eye may also enhance its visual acuity by minimizing the sun's glare. The spine works as a spring for the powerful back legs to give the cheetah added reach for each step. But the great speed is very taxing physiologically.
The top speed, 71 miles per hour (114 kilometers per hour), can usually be maintained for only 200-300 yards. (274 meters). At that point the cheetah's body temperature increases from the exertion and rest is mandatory. (cheetahspot.com)
Since a cheetah needs to see its prey to run after it, it usually hunts in the day. The black streaks running from the side of its eyes to the sides of its mouth protect it from the sun’s glare as it hunts.
It is an animal built for a specific purpose and has
adjusted well to its nature-endowed traits
This cat is truly built for speed! Virtually every part of its body is adapted in some way to help it run faster. Special paw pads and semi-retractable claws provide great traction.
Large nostrils and lungs provide quick air intake; a large liver, heart and adrenals also facilitate a rapid physical response.
A long, fluid, greyhound-like body is streamlined over light bones. Small collarbones and vertical shoulder blades help lengthen the stride.
The dark tear marks beneath each eye may also enhance its visual acuity by minimizing the sun's glare. The spine works as a spring for the powerful back legs to give the cheetah added reach for each step. But the great speed is very taxing physiologically.
The top speed, 71 miles per hour (114 kilometers per hour), can usually be maintained for only 200-300 yards. (274 meters). At that point the cheetah's body temperature increases from the exertion and rest is mandatory. (cheetahspot.com)
Since a cheetah needs to see its prey to run after it, it usually hunts in the day. The black streaks running from the side of its eyes to the sides of its mouth protect it from the sun’s glare as it hunts.
One
major disadvantage of cheetah speed however is that it takes
a lot of energy away from the cheetah. If it runs at its top
speed for a minute or two, it will become exhausted. Hence,
if it chooses to run after an elusive prey at this rate, it
will quickly lose the energy to pin down its prey. A cheetah
will therefore let go of a prospective catch if it can’t get
it quickly.
Cheetahs
also have to conserve their energy because they may need the
speed to avoid other predators. Once a cheetah catches its
food with its incredible cheetah speed, other larger and
more aggressive animals may attempt to fight with it for the
food.
A cheetah is more likely to avoid potentially
disastrous confrontations by moving away quickly rather than
by facing it head on. This is a good decision on the
cheetah’s part since its light body frame and small mouth
structures will not stand a chance against large, heavily
built aggressors.
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