Mammals Facts
- Mammals are warm-blooded animals.
- Mammals are born live. Only two mammals hatch from eggs.
- Mammals drink milk from their mothers.
- Bats are the only mammals that can fly.
- Dolphin and whale babies do not sleep the first month of their life.
Cheetah
The cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) is an atypical member of the cat family (Felidae) that is unique in its speed, while lacking climbing abilities. Therefore it is placed in its own genus, Acinonyx. It is the fastest land animal, reaching speeds between 112 and 120 km/h (70 and 75 mph) in short bursts covering distances up to 460 m (1,500 ft), and has the ability to accelerate from 0 to 110 km/h (68 mph) in three seconds, faster than most supercars. Recent studies confirm the cheetah's status as fastest land animal.
The word "cheetah" is derived from the Sanskrit word citrakāyaḥ, meaning "variegated body", via the Hindi cītā.
