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Line 1: − [[Image:Cheetah.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Cheetahs]]+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + − + Line 14:
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{{Taxonomy
|name=Cheetah
|image=Cheetah.jpg|thumb|300px|Cheetahs
|caption=
|superkingdom=
|kingdom=Animalia
|subkingdom=
|superphylum=
|phylum=Chordata
|subphylum=
|infraphylum=
|microphylum=
|superdivision=
|division=
|subdivision=
|superclass=
|class=Mammalia
|subclass=
|infraclass=
|superorder=
|order=Carnivora
|suborder=
|infraorder=
|superfamily=
|families=
|family=Felidae
|subfamily=
|supertribe=
|tribe=
|subtribe=
|genera=
|genus= Acinonyx
|subgenus=
|species=A. jubatus
|binomialname=
|syn=
|sub=
|alt=
|regionimg=
|pop=
|conservation=threatened
}}
The '''cheetah''' is a member of the [[feline]] family. The distribution of the cheetah is limited to [[Africa]], where vast expanses of land fit their hunting style.
The '''cheetah''' is a member of the [[feline]] family. The distribution of the cheetah is limited to [[Africa]], where vast expanses of land fit their hunting style.
Cheetahs are unique among the [[feline]] family for their great speed and hunting style. Capable of reaching speeds up to 70 mph in short sprints,<ref>[http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0004737.html Infoplease]</ref> the Cheetah is the fastest of all land animals. When hunting, a Cheetahs swipes at the prey's hind legs to trip them; this is distinctively different from other big cats, which would pounce and grab onto the prey, using their body weight to put the prey off balance.
Cheetahs are unique among the [[feline]] family for their great speed and hunting style. Capable of reaching speeds up to 70 mph in short sprints,<ref>[http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0004737.html Infoplease]</ref> the cheetah is the fastest of all land animals. When hunting, a cheetah swipes at the prey's hind legs to trip them; this is distinctively different from other big cats, which would pounce and grab onto the prey, using their body weight to put the prey off balance.
The cheetah has several differences from other animals, to allow it to run at the speeds it does. They have claws that are semi-retractable, unlike other cats, and also rough paw pads, allowing greater traction when running. The body and fur is naturally smooth, reducing drag, the bones are light, reducing weight and the lungs are large, allowing increased breathing. However, the cheetah is designed only to sprint for short distances, as at top speed, the internal body temperature quickly rises to dangerous levels.<ref>[http://www.cheetahspot.com/speed.php Cheetahspot]</ref> Cheetahs therefore hunt at the coolest times of day – morning and evening. They stalk their prey before attacking.<ref>[http://www.cheetahspot.com/food.php Cheetahspot]</ref>
The cheetah has several differences from other animals, to allow it to run at the speeds it does. They have claws that are semi-retractable, unlike other cats, and also rough paw pads, allowing greater traction when running. The body and fur is naturally smooth, reducing drag, the bones are light, reducing weight and the lungs are large, allowing increased breathing. However, the cheetah is designed only to sprint for short distances, as at top speed, the internal body temperature quickly rises to dangerous levels.<ref>[http://www.cheetahspot.com/speed.php Cheetahspot]</ref> Cheetahs therefore hunt at the coolest times of day – morning and evening. They stalk their prey before attacking.<ref>[http://www.cheetahspot.com/food.php Cheetahspot]</ref>
{{Nb_zl_felines}}
{{Nb_zl_felines}}
[[Category:Felines]]
[[Category:Africa]]
[[Category:Africa]]
[[Category:Asia]]