Fast twitch fibers are known for which characteristic?

Fast twitch fibers, also known as Type II fibers, are characterized by their ability to contract rapidly and generate quick bursts of power and strength. This characteristic makes them particularly effective for high-intensity, short-duration activities such as sprinting or weightlifting. However, one of the trade-offs of their rapid contraction is that they fatigue more easily than slow twitch fibers. This means that while they can produce force quickly, they do not sustain that force for long periods of time, which is why they are less suited for endurance activities that require prolonged muscular activity.

The other characteristics mentioned in the choices pertain to slow twitch fibers, which are designed for endurance, and those fibers contract more slowly while being resistant to fatigue, allowing them to sustain tension over longer periods. This differentiation in muscle fiber types plays a key role in how athletes train and perform in various sports.