Speedy Beasts: The 5 Fastest Animals To Roam The Planet
Who Needs An Engine?
Animals aren't built fast just to win races; their strong and agile bodies are the product of natural selection. Only the fastest can survive in the wild, giving them the capability to take down prey or outrun their predators. From the depths of the ocean to the open skies, here are five of the fastest animals on earth.
1. Peregrine Falcon
The Peregrine Falcon is a bird of prey found nearly all over the world. They can reach speeds over 200 miles per hour when they're hunting. They fold their wings and use gravity to their advantage to reach such speeds.
2. Golden Eagle
The Golden Eagle is a majestic bird of prey found in the Northern Hemisphere. They can reach speeds of up to 200 miles per hour, which they use to catch their quick prey like rabbits.
3. Cheetah
Cheetahs are the fastest sprinters on earth, known to reach speeds of 75 miles per hour. They can also accelerate from 0 to 60 in just three seconds.
4. Pronghorn
While cheetahs are the fastest runners over short distances, pronghorns are the fastest long-distance runners on earth and the fastest animal in North America. Built to outrun predators, they can sustain a speed of 35 miles per hour over several miles and have a top speed of 55 miles per hour.
5. Black Marlin
The black marlin is the fastest fish, reaching top speeds of 80 miles per hour, even faster than most species of sharks. It achieves this speed with its agile body and a powerful tail.
Queensland State Archives from Runcorn, Queensland, Australia on Wikimedia
