Tigers and cheetahs are two predatory animals that primarily feed on meat. Both belong to the Felidae family, a group of mammals and vertebrates that includes cats and lions. More than 36 species of felines live on Earth, excluding Australia and Antarctica. The largest of these species are lions, and the smallest are cats. The cheetah first appeared when a lion mated with a tiger, creating a new species called the leopard. Tigers and cheetahs vary greatly in size and shape, and they share many common traits, while also possessing some distinct characteristics. Their most important shared traits include predation, hunting, and eating animals, as well as strong claws and sharp teeth. These animals are also known for their extreme speed. The differences between tigers and cheetahs are evident in their body size and weight, head shape, and habitat. Therefore, it’s easy to distinguish between a tiger and a cheetah، Here are the details in this article from teketrek.
The Difference Between a Tiger and a Cheetah in Appearance
The difference between a tiger and a cheetah can be determined by their external appearance. Both have certain characteristics that distinguish them from other animals. These differences are as follows:
- The tiger and cheetah are very similar in appearance. They both have soft fur with a few black spots. However, the cheetah’s fur is covered with small black spots distributed evenly across its entire body. However, the tiger’s fur is covered with irregular, flower-like circles, which may be hollow in the middle and large.
- The tiger leaves behind large, circular footprints, which may range up to 90 millimeters in diameter, while the cheetah’s footprints are very small, ranging up to 60 millimeters in diameter.
- The tiger has a large head, short legs, and a broad, fat body. The tiger is distinguished from the cheetah by its larger size, massive body, and strong, muscular build. The tiger can weigh up to 100 kilograms or more, and its length can reach between 185 and 275 centimeters.
- The cheetah has a small head, long legs, and high-set eyes. It is also slender, with a long back, a narrow chest, and a small waist. It is also very fast, reaching speeds of up to 90 kilometers per hour. A cheetah weighs 50 kilograms or more, and can reach a height of 170 to 235 centimeters. Tigers and cheetahs are similar in their love of hunting, preying, and running fast after prey. Despite the cheetah’s great speed, the tiger possesses sharp teeth and a more massive muscular build, enabling it to kill its prey with a single bite. A tiger’s bite is stronger than that of a cheetah, and a tiger can overpower and kill a cheetah if it attacks.
The Difference Between a Tiger and a Cheetah in Behavior and Action
The difference between a tiger and a cheetah can easily be distinguished by the behaviors and actions exhibited by these predators. Their most common behaviors and actions are as follows:
- Tiger: The tiger’s body is larger than that of a cheetah. Tigers prefer to hunt in the dark. They are nocturnal creatures and are distinguished by their ability to quickly climb trees. They also store the remains of the meat of their hunted prey on tree branches to eat later. Tigers emit a loud and terrifying roar while hunting to scare off prey and enemies.
- Cheetah: The cheetah is leaner than the tiger. It sneaks up on its prey quietly, then rushes at high speed to devour it. It relies on its unbridled speed to chase and capture its prey under daylight. The cheetah can reach speeds of up to 90 kilometers per hour. It quickly catches up with its prey, sinking its fangs into its neck until it dies. Its voice is very low while chasing and running after its prey, resembling the purr of a domestic cat.
The Difference Between the Tiger and the Cheetah in Their Habitat and Geographic Distribution
The difference between the tiger and the cheetah can be determined by their habitat and geographical distribution. These predators have specific climatic conditions that they prefer to live in, including the following:
- Tiger: The tiger prefers to live in dense forests, desert environments, and mountains. Tigers are native to Asia. Large tiger subspecies live in cold regions such as eastern Russia and northeastern China, while smaller tiger subspecies live in warm regions such as India, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
- Cheetah: Cheetahs live in agricultural lowlands such as savannah plains, where they hide among grasses, crops, and weeds to ambush their prey. Cheetahs are found in many parts of the world, but their primary habitat is sub-Saharan Africa.
FAQs
- Can a tiger defeat a cheetah?
No, because the tiger is one of the strongest animals in the jungle, even stronger than the lion. A tiger weighs over 300 kilograms, while a cheetah can weigh up to 200 kilograms. In addition, a tiger’s bite is more powerful than that of any other animal.
- Which is faster, the cheetah or the tiger?
The cheetah is the fastest land animal in the entire list of wild animals, and has the fastest speed recorded in animal exploration research and studies.
Conclusion
There are many signs that illustrate the difference between a tiger and a cheetah. These animals differ and are similar in several respects. The most important similarity is their love of meat, prey, and hunting. They are also fast and agile animals. The tiger and cheetah are similar in the beauty of their fur colors. There is a great similarity in their external appearance, as the cheetah is essentially the result of a mating between a tiger and a lion. However, the tiger differs from the cheetah in their living conditions and habitats. The tiger prefers warm tropical regions and mountains, while the cheetah prefers agricultural areas and grasslands. Their sizes also differ, as the tiger is larger and taller than the cheetah. The most important feature that distinguishes the tiger from the cheetah is its strength. It is stronger than the lion and is classified as the strongest and fiercest land animal. The cheetah is distinguished from the tiger by its high speed, its ability to move freely in the wild, and its ability to stealthily hunt prey.
