Living BeingsCompare species
Cheetah
Acinonyx jubatus
African Baobab
Adansonia digitata
Evidence from the profiles
Compare their characteristics
| Trait | Cheetah | African Baobab |
|---|---|---|
| Physical traits | A small rounded head, spotted coat and long legs produce a slender outline. Dark facial lines extend below the eyes. | Thick, fibrous bark surrounds a broad trunk. Each compound leaf has several leaflets radiating from a central point. |
| Habitat and range | Grassland, dry open country and other habitats with space for pursuit are used. | A terrestrial tree of tropical Africa, it is adapted to seasonally dry conditions and is also planted in gardens and settlements. |
| Diet and nutrition | Gazelles and other small to medium-sized mammals are important prey. Actual prey varies with location and opportunity. | Leaves produce sugars through photosynthesis. Water and mineral nutrients are taken up through the roots. |
| Behavior and activity | Social organization differs between individuals: some males associate in coalitions, while females raising young face different demands. | Data unavailable |
| Reproduction and life cycle | Data unavailable | Large, hanging white flowers develop into capsules containing seeds embedded in pale, powdery pulp. New trees can be grown from seed. |
| Geographic distribution | The Mammal Diversity Database v2.5 records this species in Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Chad, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Iran, Kenya, Mali, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Djibouti?, Egypt?, Eritrea?, Libya?, Somalia?, Sudan?, Togo?. | Native to Africa and cultivated elsewhere. The accompanying photograph shows a planted specimen in Madagascar; that location should not be confused with the native range of every baobab species. |
| Ecological role | Data unavailable | Its flowers, fruit and extensive woody structure provide biological resources. The familiar name baobab also applies to other species, which should not be confused with this one. |
| Distinctive adaptations | Data unavailable | A substantial trunk and drought-resistant growth form help distinguish this tree from many humid-forest trees. |
Classification
Shared ancestry
Closest shared taxon: Eukaryota.