During the Summer Olympics, you will witness numerous fast human athletes competing against each other. However, how would these runners fare in a race against the fastest land creature on Earth? That creature is none other than the cheetah!
The scientific name for a cheetah is Acinonyx jubatus. Have you ever seen images of this animal? If you have, you are aware that it is a large member of the feline family. Cheetahs can be found in most parts of Africa and some areas in the Middle East.
Scientists have estimated that cheetahs can achieve speeds between 70-75 miles per hour. Of course, they cannot maintain this high speed for long distances. However, they can reach such speeds in short bursts that can cover distances of up to 1,600 feet or more.
Cheetahs can reach these speeds quickly as well. It takes a cheetah just three seconds to accelerate from 0 to over 62 miles per hour. That is incredibly fast! In fact, it is comparable to the acceleration of the world’s most expensive sports cars from 0 to 60 miles per hour.
Why are cheetahs so fast? Scientists have identified various features that contribute to the cheetah’s extraordinary speed. For instance, cheetahs are one of only three types of cats that possess semi-retractable claws. This means that cheetahs cannot fully retract their claws like most other cats. This feature provides cheetahs with additional traction when pursuing prey.
Cheetahs also have large nostrils that enable them to take in more oxygen while running. They also have larger hearts and lungs compared to other cats of similar size. This helps them circulate oxygen more efficiently throughout their bodies.
Even cheetahs’ tails assist them in running faster and making quick turns by functioning as the rudder of a ship. While running, cheetahs use their tails to maintain balance and steer during sharp turns!
So, how much faster are cheetahs compared to humans? Currently, the fastest human being in the world is Jamaican Usain Bolt. He set the world record in the 100-meter dash in 2009 with an astonishing time of only 9.58 seconds. This equates to a speed of slightly over 23 miles per hour. That is fast, but it does not compare to the cheetah! The cheetah can outpace Bolt at approximately three times his top speed.
Give it a Try
Wow! Today’s Wonder of the Day went by really quickly, didn’t it? Continue learning by engaging in one or more of the following activities with a friend or family member:
- Do you think you’re faster than a cheetah? At this point, you are aware that you won’t be able to outrun a cheetah. So, perhaps you should aim to compete with slower animals. Do you have any pets? If so, take them to a local park or your backyard and engage in some physical activity together. Play a game of chase and see if you can beat them in a race. Don’t worry if you come in second place. Most animals with four legs can easily surpass humans with two legs! You can also gather some friends and family members to run or jog together. If they’re up for a race, give it a try! However, simply walking together for the enjoyment of it is also a good form of exercise. If you want to enhance your speed, set goals for yourself. First, time yourself while running a specific distance. Then, over the course of a few weeks, stretch and exercise multiple times a week. After a few weeks, time yourself again and observe how much you have improved!
- Have you ever had the opportunity to see a cheetah up close in the wild? We hope not! If you have, you probably had a more eventful race than you expected! To catch a glimpse of some cheetahs from the comfort of your computer screen, take a look at these photographs of cheetahs in their natural habitat. Aren’t they magnificent? Would you like to see a cheetah at the zoo or in an animal sanctuary someday? Discuss the new information you have learned about cheetahs today with a friend or family member.
- Cheetahs are a threatened species and face difficulties in adapting to new environments. What leads to the endangerment of species? What can people do to assist? Write a few sentences about what you have learned. Then, seek the help of a friend or family member in spreading the word. Share what you have written on social media and tag us @wonderopolis!
Wonder Sources
- http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/kids/animals/creaturefeature/cheetah/ (accessed 09 Dec. 2020)
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheetah (accessed 09 Dec. 2020)
- http://willtoperform.blogspot.com/2009/11/usain-bolt-vs-cheetah.html (accessed 09 Dec. 2020)
FAQ
1. Can a human outrun a cheetah?
Absolutely not. Cheetahs are the fastest land animals on Earth, capable of reaching speeds up to 70 miles per hour in just a few seconds. On the other hand, the fastest human sprinters can run at speeds of around 28 miles per hour. The huge speed difference makes it impossible for a human to outrun a cheetah.
2. How does the speed of a cheetah compare to that of a human?
The speed of a cheetah far surpasses that of a human. As mentioned earlier, cheetahs can reach speeds of up to 70 miles per hour, while the fastest human sprinters can only manage speeds of around 28 miles per hour. This significant difference in speed is due to the cheetah’s unique physical adaptations, such as its lightweight body, flexible spine, and long, muscular legs.
3. Why are cheetahs so fast?
Cheetahs are built for speed. They have a slender, aerodynamic body that minimizes wind resistance, allowing them to run faster. Their long, flexible spine acts like a spring, providing powerful strides. Additionally, cheetahs have large nasal passages and lungs, enabling them to take in more oxygen during a sprint. Their non-retractable claws provide better traction, and their large nostrils and eyes help with efficient breathing and vision while running at high speeds.
4. Can humans improve their running speed to match that of a cheetah?
While humans cannot match the speed of a cheetah, they can improve their running speed through training and conditioning. By focusing on specific workouts that target speed, such as interval training and plyometrics, individuals can increase their running speed and overall performance. However, it is important to note that even with extensive training, humans will never be able to outrun a cheetah due to the vast difference in their physical capabilities.
5. Has anyone ever tried racing a human against a cheetah?
There have been instances where humans have raced against cheetahs for entertainment or educational purposes. However, these races are often staged and not conducted under natural circumstances. It is important to remember that in a real-life scenario, a cheetah would effortlessly outpace any human. These races are merely used to highlight the incredible speed and agility of cheetahs, rather than to compare them to human capabilities.
6. Are there any advantages humans have over cheetahs in terms of running?
While cheetahs are unmatched in terms of speed, humans have certain advantages when it comes to endurance running. Humans have a more efficient cooling system through sweating, allowing them to regulate body temperature during prolonged runs. Additionally, humans have the ability to strategize, plan, and pace themselves over long distances, which cheetahs lack. These qualities make humans better-suited for activities such as marathons or ultramarathons, where endurance is key.
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