Why is a cheetah the fastest animal on earth?

Answer 1

First of all, it isn't - several birds go faster (but they are flying or diving through the air). But the cheetah survives by being able to run faster than the prey animals so there is evolutionary pressure to make it run faster and faster.

Answer 2

First of all, cheetahs are not the fastest animal. They are the fastest land animal, but are outdone by a few animals of air and sea. Without going into all the specific details, there are many factors that play a role in a cheetah's speed. Their body structure (bone, muscle, tail) is very streamlined and built for speed. They have rather large noses which increase oxygen intake. Their heart and lungs are extremely efficient, allowing fast distribution of oxygen. Unlike every other member of the cat family, cheetahs' claws aren't fully retractable. Their claws are shorter and less curved as well, giving them improved grip on the ground while running. These features, along with some others, combine to give them incredible grace and speed on land.

Their speed comes at a price though. Unlike their cousins, (lions, tigers, jaguars, leopards, pumas, cougars, house cats, etc.) cheetahs are not good climbers. Their speed can only be maintained for short bursts. Not only can they only maintain their speed for a short duration, but they are required to rest afterwards, otherwise the strain on their bodies will kill them. (Imagine a muscle car without a cooling system).

Answer 3

because it runs faster than the other animals.