A1 White Jr., age 12, of Meridian, Miss., for his question:

HOW HIGH CAN AN IMPALA JUMP?

An impala is a delicate African antelope that can be found living from Kenya south to South Africa. The animal is a sensational jumper. When it is frightened and wants to make a fast escape, it can make a single leap as long as 30 feet and as high as 10 feat.

During the dry months, impalas stay in large herds that often include several hundred animals. After the dry period they break into smaller groups that include from 10 to 25 females and a single male.

During April and May, the males joust with one another as smaller groups are formed. The males have long, black horns that are gracefully shaped like lyres.

Impalas are about three feet tall at their shoulders. They are chestnut brown above and white below. Black streaks are on their haunches.

The animals live on the plains at the edge of forests. They feed on grass and shrubs.