Slide 1
A camel’s hump stores fat, not liquid water
A camel's hump stores fat rather than liquid water. The reserve helps support the animal when food is scarce.
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As fat is used, the hump can change shape and become less firm. Its appearance reflects stored resources, not simply how recently the camel had a drink.
Slide 2
Camels still need to conserve and obtain water
Camels tolerate difficult dry conditions, but they still need water. Survival depends on conserving it and obtaining it when available.
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Metabolism produces some water when fuel is broken down. That contribution does not turn the hump into a water container or eliminate the need to replace environmental losses.
Slide 3
Nostrils, eyelashes and broad feet meet other desert demands
Camel nostrils and protective eyelashes help manage dusty surroundings. Broad feet spread weight on ground that may be loose or sandy.
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These features solve different problems from the hump. Scarce food does not itself explain movement on sand or protection from airborne particles; several traits work together.
Slide 4
Temperature variation can reduce evaporative cooling needs
Camels can allow body-temperature variation under some conditions. This can reduce the need for immediate cooling through evaporation during a hot day.
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Evaporative cooling spends water. Tolerating a temporary increase in body heat can postpone that expense, although the animal still faces limits and must eventually release stored heat.
Slide 5
One-humped and two-humped camels inhabit different climates
Dromedaries have one hump and Bactrian camels have two. Their environments include more than one image of a hot sandy desert.
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Bactrian camels also face strong seasonal cold in continental regions. Desert adaptation concerns limited water and variable resources, and need not imply year-round heat in every habitat.
Sources
- How much water does a camel's hump hold?
Library of Congress
- Camel
San Diego Zoo