What are the obvious adaptations of a cheetah to the environment?

Answer 1

Cheetahs have adapted to their savanna environment in many ways. The coarse, short fur of the cheetah is golden or tan, embellished with many round, black spots that help break up its shape, and therefore help the cheetah camouflage when hunting prey. In addition, the cheetah's golden coat is able to blend into the surrounding grass. The "tear marks" on a cheetah's face connects from the corner of each eye to the mouth and is thought to protect their eyes from from the sun's glare to aid in hunting and seeing long distances. Cheetah cubs grow a thick yellowish-gray coat called a mantle along their back in the first few weeks of life. The dark color helps the cub blend into the shadows and the mantle is thought to have several purposes, including acting as a thermostatic umbrella against rain and the sun, and as a camouflage imitating the dry, dead grass. Also, during the dry season, lightning frequently ignites the brow, dry grasses that cover the savanna. The cheetah has adapted to living with the fires. The ability to run fast enables the cheetah to escape the flames. Adaptations that enable the cheetah to run as fast as it does include large nostrils that allow for increased oxygen intake, and an enlarged heart and lungs that work together to circulate oxygen efficiently. While running, in addition to having good traction due to its semi-retractable claws, the cheetah uses its tail as a rudder-like means of steering to allow it to make sharp turns, necessary to outflank prey animals that often make such turns of escape.