Final answer:
The cheetah is the fastest land animal, reaching up to 112 kilometers per hour (70 miles per hour), largely due to limb positioning and structural adaptations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The fastest land animal is the cheetah, capable of racing at staggering speeds up to 112 kilometers per hour (70 miles per hour). This predator's speed is attributed to several factors, including the positioning of its limbs. Unlike reptiles, whose limbs extend to the sides, mammals like the cheetah have limbs that are attached beneath their bodies, enabling an upright posture that is advantageous for speed. This structural adaptation, along with the cheetah's powerful and lean muscle structure, flexible spine, and non-retractable claws, all contribute to its ability to reach such high velocities while chasing prey.
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