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(^9) CHEETAH
The fastest of all land animals, a
cheetah can run at an astonishing
95 km/h (60 mph). It achieves this
by flexing its back to extend its
stride as it bounds forward on its
long legs, but it can only keep up
this pace for about 40 seconds.
(^8) POND SKATER
The water molecules at the surface
of a pool cling together to form
an elastic film, strong enough to
support tiny animals like this pond
skater. Its special brush-tipped feet
just dimple the surface, so it can
skate around without sinking.
(^10) BARN OWL
Birds are the masters of the air.
Most, like this barn owl, use their
powerful feathered wings to drive
themselves forward. Others can
travel long distances by soaring
on rising air currents like gliders,
without beating their wings at all.
(^11) KANGAROO
A leaping kangaroo uses the elastic
tendons in the backs of its legs
like the springs of a pogo stick.
Every time it lands on its long feet
the tendons stretch like rubber
bands, then spring back again to
catapult the kangaroo forward.
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