Lions have many unique and amazing characteristics. Their rarity, their strength and the mode of their life cycle make them a very exclusive species. The lion, light brown in color, is the largest of African carnivores. Adult males have different colored manes. This, along with their large size, makes it easy to distinguish males from females. Adult males are 9 to 10 feet long, with a 3-foot tail, and weigh 400 to 500 pounds. The lion has a strong, muscular body with powerful paws. The lion's tail is thin with black fur and inside the wisp is a hard, sharp thorn. The purpose of this is unknown. Each lion's toe has a strong, curved, retractable claw that measures up to three inches long. Within the lion's powerful jaws, which can open up to 12 inches wide, are teeth that can invade a bull's spine in a single bite. Female lionesses are approximately 44 inches tall and have no mane. Female lions live a little longer than males. Serengeti lions can live up to 18 years, while a male can typically live up to around 12 years. Lionesses are the heart and soul of the lion pride. Female lions hunt almost 95% for their pride. Smaller than the adult male lion, adult females weigh between 200 and 275 pounds. Their fur color ranges from beige to light brown to blend in with their surroundings while hunting. Female lions lack the speed and stamina of a cheetah, so they rely on stealth and teamwork to take down their prey. They hide in tall grass and slowly move as close as possible to their prey before launching their attack. Their prey is zebra, wildebeest, water buffalo and many other animals. After killing their prey, they retrieve their prey...... middle of paper...... nomadic male lion. Once settled in a secure pride position, lions live the rest of their lives in a predictable cycle. Females provide the needs for hunting expeditions, using their speed and agility to trap their prey. As for male lions, when they participate, they use their strength and weight to bring down larger animals. Then, as the lions age, they eventually succumb to illness, are killed by a rival, or are ousted from the pride in one of the twists and turns. Lions are very amazing and interesting creatures. They have very unique lifestyles, habits and lifestyles. //www.wildlife-pictures-online.com/lion-information.html http://www.barbarylion.com/LionInfo.htmhttp://www.ehow.com/how-does_5159383_life-cycle-lion.html