The Dromedary Camel Survives Sweltering Temperatures
by Esmeralda Ramirez, age 12
Dromedary
camels are native to North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. These
camels can survive in temperatures other animals would die from. They
are often referred to as “ships of the desert” because of their
ability to conserve energy and survive for long periods without
drinking water.
In
order to survive the harsh and dry climate of the desert, camels have
a three-chambered stomach. This allows them to partly digest plant
matter and regurgitate food to secure as many nutrients as possible.
Camels convert food into body fat and store it in the hump. This
helps them survive months without food or water.
The
dromedary camel feeds mainly on grass. But since grass is so hard to
find in the desert, the camel is forced to eat any vegetation it
finds. They can eat rough desert plants that other animals aren’t
able to digest. Camels also have efficient kidneys. This helps them
process salty water, also known as brackish. Many times this is the
only available water in the desert.
Dromedaries’
bodies are equipped to handle the desert’s harsh environment. To
help them, these camels have nostrils that can open and close to keep
out sand. Their broad feet help them better grip loose sand. To
intimidate enemies camels use their soft palate (the roof of the
mouth). The camel inflates the 14-inch-long palate and lets it hang
out of its mouth.
Camels are unlike any other animal. They
have the special ability to survive in the hot desert. When necessary
they can go a long time without eating or drinking. Camels also
provide milk, meat and wool, which are very helpful to their owners.
Domesticated thousands of years ago, they are also good at riding.
[Source:
Wildlife
Explorer
]
|
