What is the fastest animal?

The story behind the answer

Peregrine Falcon is the fastest animal because, in a hunting dive called a “stoop,” it can exceed 240 mph (386 km/h)—far faster than any other creature. While the cheetah is the fastest land animal at around 60–70 mph, and golden eagles are swift flyers, none approach the peregrine’s dive speed.

Its extreme velocity comes from specialized adaptations: swept-back, pointed wings