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Biology

The Biomechanics of High-Speed Locomotion in Cheetahs and Greyhounds

Quick fact

Cheetahs and greyhounds both reach speeds over 70 km/h (45 mph) using a 'double suspension gallop' in which all four feet leave the ground twice per stride. This gait relies on a flexible spine that acts like a spring, storing and releasing elastic energy to lengthen each stride and increase speed.

Why this is interesting

Cheetahs are famously the fastest land animals, but did you know that greyhounds—dogs bred for racing—use almost identical body mechanics? How do two such different animals achieve such similar top speeds?