Cheetahs' wide nostrils, large lungs,powerful heart, strong muscles and lightweight make for the world's fastest land mammal. But when cheetahs are hunting, they have  to factor in their weak point in endurance---the record speed can only maintain for such a short time that they're forced to camouflage  and stalk before pounce on the prey and throw a deadly strilke.

They use their tail as a rudder to help keep balance while making sharp turns or standing on their hindlegs when using their front paws to trip the prey. Their claws grip the ground like cleats.

Cheetahs are distinguished by their "tear-stained" black marks that run from the coners of their eyes down the side of their nose to their mouth. Their smaller stature and flat heads also set them apart.