How does the gene for high running speed in cheetahs contribute to their survival?

The gene for high running speed in cheetahs significantly contributes to their survival by enhancing their ability to hunt and reproduce. Cheetahs are the fastest land animals, reaching speeds of up to 60 to 70 miles per hour over short distances. This extraordinary speed allows them to chase down prey, such as small to medium-sized ungulates, within their natural habitat, which is often open grasslands where visibility is high.

Hunting is critical for survival, as successful hunts provide the necessary nutrition for the cheetah to thrive and sustain its energy levels. Additionally, the ability to efficiently catch prey directly affects the cheetah's reproductive success. Healthy, well-fed cheetahs are more likely to produce and care for offspring, thereby passing on their advantageous traits, including the gene for speed, to future generations. This dynamic illustrates natural selection, where traits that enhance survival and reproductive success tend to become more prevalent in a population over time.

The other options do not accurately reflect the role of speed in regards to cheetahs. For instance, while avoiding predators and migrating may be important for other species, the primary evolutionary advantage for cheetahs is their hunting prowess, which directly influences their ability to survive and reproduce in the wild. Camouflage