Nearly
ten thousand years ago cheetahs were almost wiped out
by dramatic changes in climate. Because of the close
genetic relationship between future cheetah generations,
today any two cheetahs are as closely related as identical
twins. All cheetahs share 99% of the same genes and
are thus extremely susceptible to disease and genetic
defects.
The
cheetah is the fastest land animal and can sprint (for
short bursts) at speeds of up to 70 mph.