Amazing Cheetahs: Speed and Survival

PicoBuddyUpper ElementaryInformational3 min read404 words
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Amazing Cheetahs: Speed and Survival

Cheetahs are super cool cats! They are famous for being the fastest land animals in the world. But there's way more to cheetahs than just running fast. Let's learn some amazing facts about these spotted speedsters.

Spotting a Cheetah

Cheetahs have a tan or yellowish body covered in black spots. These spots help them blend in with the tall grasses of their habitat. Each cheetah has a unique spot pattern, just like our fingerprints! Look closely, and you'll also see black "tear marks" that run from the corner of their eyes down their nose. These marks help reduce the glare from the sun, like built-in sunglasses.

Super Speed

Cheetahs can run super fast, but only for short bursts. When chasing prey, they can reach speeds of up to 75 miles per hour! That's faster than most cars on the highway. However, they can only maintain this speed for a few hundred yards because it takes so much energy.

How Do They Do It?

Glossary
Habitat:
The natural environment where an animal lives.
Carnivore:
An animal that eats meat.
Endangered:
A species at risk of extinction.
Camouflage:
To blend in with the surroundings.

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Preview questions from this passageShow
  1. 1What are cheetahs famous for?
  2. 2What do the black spots on a cheetah's body help them do?

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About this informational passage for Upper Elementary

“Amazing Cheetahs: Speed and Survival” is a informational reading passage about Cheetahs, written for Upper Elementary. It takes about 3 minutes to read (404 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.

Is this passage free?

Yes. With a free account, you can read “Amazing Cheetahs: Speed and Survival” online and download a printable PDF worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.

What reading level is “Amazing Cheetahs: Speed and Survival”?

It’s written for Upper Elementary — a informational text about Cheetahs, about a 3-minute read (404 words).

What’s included with this passage?

An illustrated reading passage, a glossary of key terms, comprehension questions with an answer key, and an interactive quiz.

Can I adapt it for my students?

Yes. Remix is included with Pro and Max for adapting it to another grade level or language.