How do cloven hooves help many artiodactyls run quickly?

Cloven hooves do not directly increase speed; rather, they are a feature of artiodactyls that walk on the tips of their toes, which is a key adaptation for fast running. By walking on their toe tips, these mammals effectively lengthen their limbs, which increases stride length and efficiency.12

The speed of these animals is primarily facilitated by several structural modifications:
* Limb Lengthening: The lower parts of the legs are elongated, and muscles are positioned high on the limb. This minimizes the mass concentrated near the feet, reducing inertia and allowing for faster leg movement.1
* Digit Reduction: Many fast-running artiodactyls have reduced the number of toes, focusing support on the third and fourth digits.1
* Bone Fusion: The fusion of midfoot bones into "cannon bones" provides a stable, lightweight structure for high-speed locomotion.1
* Impact Absorption: In many bovids, the alternating arrangement of bones in the wrist and ankle helps manage the strain of impact when running on uneven ground.1

Ultimately, the cloven hoof provides a strong, protective surface for the animal to bear its weight while moving at high speeds.2