How do cheetahs balance speed and overheating during a chase?
Quick Answer
Cheetahs are built for short bursts of speed, but their bodies overheat quickly. They must stop after a chase because intense running rapidly raises body temperature.
The Full Story
Cheetahs are the fastest land mammals over short distances, reaching about 100 to 120 km/h in brief sprints. Their lean bodies, flexible spine, and long limbs help them accelerate quickly. However, speed comes at a cost: their muscles produce a great deal of heat. Because of that, cheetahs can only maintain top speed for a short time before they must stop and recover. Their hunting strategy depends on stealth, acceleration, and timing rather than long-distance pursuit.
Key Facts
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"Why cheetahs are built for speed — but only for seconds"
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