Table of Contents
What special features do cheetahs have?
Cheetahs have distinctive spots and black, tear-shaped stripes that stretch from the inner corner of each eye to the mouth. Cheetahs have small rounded heads, long necks, deep chests and claws that are non-retractable. The legs of the cheetah are long, slim and muscular.
What are cheetahs body parts?
Inside a cheetah
- Flexible spine. The cheetah’s spine is extremely flexible.
- Forward-facing eyes. The cheetah’s eyes face forward, and it can see detail several miles away.
- Small head. The cheetah has a short, flat head with small, rounded ears.
- Large nostrils.
- Lightweight skeleton.
- Long tail.
- Back muscles.
- Large heart.
What body parts help cheetahs survive?
Cheetahs possess an enlarged heart, oversized liver, adrenals, bronchi, and lungs, and large arteries — adaptations necessary for an animal that relies on explosive speed to capture prey.
What’s special about cheetahs claws?
Paws. Cheetahs have paws that are narrower than other large felids, resembling the paws of dogs rather than cats. Cheetahs have claws that are blunt, slightly curved and only semi-retractable. Cheetah claws are like running spikes, used to increase traction while pursuing prey.
What are cheetahs physical adaptations?
Natural history. Cheetahs have evolved many adaptations that enhance their ability to sprint. Their legs are proportionally longer than those of other big cats; an elongated spine increases stride length at high speeds; they have unretractable claws, special paw pads for extra traction, and a long tail for balance.
What are some cheetah adaptations?
Cheetahs have evolved many adaptations that enhance their ability to sprint. Their legs are proportionally longer than those of other big cats; an elongated spine increases stride length at high speeds; they have unretractable claws, special paw pads for extra traction, and a long tail for balance.
What muscles do cheetahs have?
Table 2
| Cheetah | ||
|---|---|---|
| Hip | Biceps femoris | 7.1 |
| Hip | Rectus femoris | 4.7 |
| Hip | Semimembranosus | 9.7 |
| Hip | Semitendinosus | 9.6 |
How do cheetahs use camouflage?
A cheetah’s spots cover nearly its entire body and may serve as camouflage by offsetting shadows in the gray-hued grasses they inhabit. Camouflage is not only essential for stalking prey but also for protecting cheetah cubs from predators.