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Scientific name of Cheetah is Acinonyx jubatus. It is the subspecies of the wild subspecies of wild Acinonyx jubatus. Cheetahs generally belong to the family of Felidae, which also comprises other big cats like tigers and lions. Cheetahs are the fastest animal found on land and can run at about 80 km/hr. Cheetah is classified from the class Mammalia and is a carnivorous animal.
Key Terms: Cheetah, Acinonyx Jubatus, Felidae, Phylum, Kingdom, Mammalia
Scientific Name of Cheetah
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The scientific name of Cheetah is Acinonyxt jubatus, which is a subspecies of the wild Acinonyx jubatus. Cheetahs are carnivorous in nature and are typically found in the wild forest of Africa.
Cheetah
Cheetahs are capable of running at a speed of about 80 km/hr, and some as fast as 128 km/hr. The speed Cheetahs have is basically due to their body adaptations, like the streamlined, thin and light body, strong legs, and long tail.
Subspecies of Cheetah
There are typically four subspecies of Cheetah that are identified as:
- Southeast African cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus jubatus)
- Northeast African cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus soemmeringii)
- Northwest African cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus hecki)
- Asiatic cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus venaticus)
Classification of Cheetah
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Cheetahs can be classified as per:
| Type | Parameters |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Carnivora |
| Family | Felidae |
| Genus | Acinonyx |
Types of Cheetahs
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There are almost five types of Cheetahs found today, which are:
Asiatic Cheetah
The Asiatic Cheetah is also termed Iranian Cheetah and is now the rarest of all Cheetah subspecies. It can be found in Iran. The Iranian Cheetah typically has a light fawn-colored fur with tiny black spots on the neck. It falls on the list of endangered species.
Northwest African Cheetah
The Northwest African Cheetah is also called the Saharan Cheetah, and can be found in Northwest Africa. This type of cheetah has a white color coat, and spots which slowly fade from the back.
South African Cheetah
They are also known as Namibian Cheetahs. South African Cheetah can be found in the savannahs of the Okavango Delta, Transvaal grasslands, Namibia, and areas of Kalahari. South African Cheetahs generally have a yellow coat, alongside a white underside.
Sudan Cheetah
Sudan Cheetahs are also called Somali Cheetah (or, Central African Cheetah). They can be found in the grasslands and deserts of Central and Northeast Africa. They generally have black dorsal spots on their body.
Tanzanian Cheetah
It is also known as the Kenyan Cheetah or the East African Cheetah and can be found in East Africa. Like the other four, Tanzanian Cheetahs are now endangered as well. This cheetah subspecies has several round black spots on most body parts, excluding the white underside.
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Things to Remember
- The scientific name of Cheetah is Acinonyx jubatus.
- Cheetahs generally belong to the family of Felidae and are considered to part of the feline family.
- There are four subspecies of Cheetah, namely Southeast African cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus jubatus), Northeast African cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus soemmeringii), Northwest African cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus hecki) and Asiatic cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus venaticus).
- Cheetahs can run at a speed of about 80 km/hr, and some as fast as 128 km/hr.
Previous Year Questions
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Sample Questions
Ques. What is the scientific name of Cheetah? (1 mark)
Ans. The scientific name of Cheetah is Acinonyx jubatus.
Ques. Write a note on Tanzanian Cheetah. (2 marks)
Ans. The Tanzanina Cheetah is also known as the Kenyan Cheetah or the East African Cheetah. It is generally found in East Africa. Tanzanian Cheetahs are now endangered as well, due to their habitat and human hunting. This cheetah subspecies has round black spots on most body parts, excluding the white underside.
Ques. What is the scientific name of the Northeast African Cheetah? (1 mark)
Ans. The scientific name for the Northeast African Cheetah is Acinonyx jubatus soemmeringii.
Ques. Where is the Sudan Cheetah typically found? (1 mark)
Ans. The Sudan Cheetah can be found in grasslands and deserts of both Central and Northeast Africa.
Ques. From which genus do Cheetah belong to? (1 mark)
Ans. Cheetah belongs to the genus Acinonyx.
Ques. At what speed can a Cheetah run? (1 mark)
Ans. Cheetahs can run at a speed of 80 km/hr.
Ques. What is the Northwest African Cheetah also known as? (1 mark)
Ans. Saharan Cheetah is what Northwest African Cheetah is also widely known by.
Ques. How does the Asiatic Cheetah look like? (1 mark)
Ans. The Iranian o Asiatic Cheetah has a light fawn-colored fur with very tiny black spots on its neck. It right now falls in the list of endangered species.
Ques. What is the gestation period of Cheetah?
Ans. The gestation period of Cheetah is about three months. The female cheetah, on an average, gives birth to two to eight cubs.
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