In a comparison, which of the following animals is typically considered faster?

The reason why the correct answer is D, Cheetah, is due to the well-documented speed and agility of this animal. Cheetahs are known for their incredible ability to sprint at high speeds, reaching up to 75 miles per hour in short bursts covering distances up to 500 meters. This makes them the fastest land animals, particularly adept at rapid acceleration and quick directional changes, which are essential for hunting prey.

In contrast, turtles, horses, and sloths are significantly slower. Turtles are generally quite slow-moving, relying on their hard shells for protection rather than speed. Horses, though faster than many animals, typically run at speeds around 30 to 40 miles per hour, which does not compare to the remarkable speed of a cheetah. Sloths are known for their very slow movement, spending much of their time in trees and moving at a pace that is significantly slower than other terrestrial animals, making them the least fast in this comparison.