Page 37 - An Anthology of Intriguing Animals (DK)
P. 37
T he question is, does it have one hump or two? A one-humped
camel is called a dromedary or Arabian camel, while a camel
with two humps is a Bactrian camel. Both of them are best suited to
life in extreme desert conditions. Their humps store fat for when there
is little water or food, and wide feet stop them from sinking in soft
desert sand. Long eyelashes and closing nostrils prevent sand from
getting into their eyes and nose.
For thousands of years, dromedary camels have transported people
and goods across hot deserts. However, they can get grumpy, so
beware—they might spit at you!
A camel can drink 22 gallons
(100 liters) in just
ten minutes. That’s like
drinking a glass of water
every two seconds!
Dromedary camel,
northern Africa and
the Arabian Peninsula
US_034_035_Camel.indd 35 30/04/2018 12:33
