Camels are well adapted to survive in the desert thanks to their unique physiological abilities, such as their ability to store water in their humps and withstand strong temperature variations.
The camel is a true walking sponge. In just a few minutes, it can drink up to 130 liters of water, allowing it to easily go a whole week without drinking, even under a scorching sun. Contrary to what some people might think, it doesn't store this water in its humps (that's more for fat!). In fact, the water is primarily stored in its blood and certain internal tissues. And as a cherry on top: its body limits water loss, as its ultra-efficient kidneys produce highly concentrated urine. So, every drop counts. Not a bad system.
Camels effortlessly manage months where daytime temperatures can exceed 50°C, with cool or even cold nights. Their bodies regulate internal temperature by sweating very little, thus avoiding unnecessary water loss: they can comfortably tolerate a slight increase in their body temperature, going from 34°C to 41°C without stress. Their thick fur protects them from both the scorching sun and the cool nights. Additionally, their bodies are designed to minimize water loss: for example, they produce highly concentrated urine and very dry feces, preserving every drop of water in these extreme conditions.
The humps of camels are far from being filled with water as is sometimes believed. They mainly contain a good reserve of fat that allows these animals to endure prolonged periods without food. When a camel cannot find anything to eat for several days in the desert, its body will quietly draw on these fatty reserves to produce the energy it needs. Essentially, it's its portable pantry, very handy when the desert offers nothing on the menu for miles around. As soon as the camel finds something to eat, it easily replenishes these reserves to be ready to face the next difficult period.
Camel nostrils can close completely to prevent sand from entering during storms, which is practical! Their long eyelids and thick eyelashes effectively protect their eyes against dust and the scorching sun. Thanks to highly concentrated urine and their ability to produce very dry droppings, they conserve a precious amount of water. Moreover, their body temperature can vary significantly, ranging from 34°C to 42°C without any issues, in order to avoid water loss through sweating. To top it off, their oval, strong, and elastic red blood cells continue to circulate easily even when the blood thickens due to dehydration. Seriously impressive!
Camels adopt clever behaviors to cope with harsh conditions. For example, they prefer to walk slowly, which reduces their energy expenditure and limits sweating. When the intense heat arrives, they rest and limit their movements, favoring the cooler hours to travel or search for food. They also know how to orient themselves effectively, guided by their excellent memory of water points and food sources in the desert. Finally, in the event of a sandstorm, they close their nostrils and squint their eyes to protect their airways and eyes, while remaining calm and waiting for it to pass.
A camel can drink up to 100 liters of water in just 10 minutes when it finds a water source, allowing it to quickly compensate for the water loss experienced over several days.
Camels are able to seal their nostrils tightly to prevent sand from entering during the frequent sandstorms in the desert.
Although often considered slow, camels can reach sprinting speeds of up to 65 km/h over short distances, an effective adaptation for evading occasional predators.
Camels have a thick insulating fur that protects them both from the freezing cold of desert nights and from the high temperatures during the day.
No, contrary to a popular myth, a camel's humps are filled with fat, which allows them to store energy reserves for long periods without food.
The wide and flat feet of camels ensure a better distribution of body weight, preventing them from sinking into the fine sand of the desert.
A camel can drink up to about 100 liters of water at once to compensate for its water loss after a prolonged period without drinking.
Camels have several adaptations, such as their insulating fur, their unique thermal regulation system, and their ability to tolerate a significant rise in body temperature to limit sweating.
A camel can survive for about two weeks without drinking water, thanks to its exceptional ability to store and efficiently manage its body water.
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