CAIE IGCSE Biology 18.2.2 Interpreting Adaptive Features
Practise using an image or species information to identify adaptive features and explain their value in the stated habitat.
- Syllabus
- 2026–2028
- Course
- Biology 0610
Practise using an image or species information to identify adaptive features and explain their value in the stated habitat.
Cheetahs, Acinonyx jubatus, are carnivores found in the dry grasslands and woodlands of southern Africa. Cheetahs hunt for food during the day. They eat deer and antelope.
The cheetah is the fastest mammal on land but can only run at high speed (sprint) over a short distance. Its hunting strategy is to creep up on prey and then sprint to catch them.
Fig. 3.1 is a photograph of a cheetah in its natural habitat.

Fig. 3.1
Suggest how these adaptive features enable cheetahs to survive in their natural environment. fur colouring
streamlined body shape
fur colouring camouflaged so that not seen by prey (when stalking)/ reflecting heat/AW ;
streamlined body shape improved ability to run fast / reduced air resistance / AW / AVP ;