Camels - Adaptation
Despite some difference in size, all of the Camels are similar in structure. Having evolved in a semi-desert environment, they have developed sophisticated adaptations for coping with heat and dehydration. The long eyelashes and sealable nostrils keep out dust in the sandstorms. The two toes have undivided soles and are able to spread widely, which is useful for walking on sand. Thick callosities on the joints of the legs and on the chest, upon which Camels rest in kneeling position, enable them to withstand the hot sand.
Dromedary Camels don't store water, but are able to safely loose such quantities of body water that would be lethal in other animals. Dromaderies' plasma volume is maintained at the expense of tissue fluid, their erythrocytes continue to circulate even in situations of increased blood viscosity. The camel can take in large amounts of water, because it's absorbed very slowly, allowing time for equilibration, besides, their erythrocytes can swell to 240% of normal size. (Other species can go to 150%.) Camels are able to drink brackish or salt water.
|
|
Courtesy of
Groups MSN com © 2003
Microsoft Corporation
|
The kidneys of all Camels concentrate the urine as thick as syrup to reduce water loss.
Their fecal pellets contain no water and can be used for fuel. Camels are able to have fluctuations in body temperature. During the day, the Camels' body acts as a heat sink, and during the cold night, excess body heat is dissipated by conduction.
Camels - General Info Links
Australia Safari - Four day educational Camel adventures in the remote deserts of Central Australia, near Lake Eyre. With information, schedules and travel tips.
Australia Zoo - Read about Dromedary Camels kept in the zoo.
Bactrian Camel - Alaska Zoo - History, vital statistics, habitat, food, behavior and conservation. Photo of Boris, their Bactrian Camel.
|
|
Courtesy of
Red Sun Camels-Broome-Australia
|
Bactrian Camel - theBigZoo.com - Camelus bactrianus facts, photos, and message board.
Bactrian Camel - Ultimate Ungulate - General information and photos.
Camel Information - A detailed survey on Camels' adaptations.
Camel Journey - Swedish-run company leads expeditions on horses, Camels, yaks or on foot. Read trip itineraries, and learn about the big-sky land of Mongolia.
Camels in Texas - Brief illustrated account of the US Camel Corps in Texas.
Camels of Rolling Hills Zoo - Read Bactrain Camel facts, find out how many are left, or test your knowledge of these desert creatures with two humps.
Camelus Bactrianus - A well-round study of Camels including natural history, habitat, habits, economic importance, and etc.
Do the Humps on Camels Hold Water? - Interesting facts concerning Camels.
Dromedary Camel - Basic facts concerning habitats and description of Dromedary Camels.
Dromedary Camel - Oakland Zoo - Focuses on the one-humped desert dweller. Listen to Camel sounds, or watch a movie showing how the creature moves.
Egypt - A-Z of Camels - Find out why these creatures grunt and groan so, how they use their humps and why they always seem to be chewing.
Dromedary Main Page - Dromedary Camels in the wild and in captivity.
|
|
Courtesy of
Tip Top Camels and Reindeer Ranch © 2002
|
Encarta - Camels - Browse photos, article links, and this general description of the desert dwelling ruminant characterized by its distinct fleshy humps.
Exotic Animals - Traveling exotic-animal exhibit offers a list of animals and Camel-ride information.
Homepage Camels - Provides general information about Camels (in German).
Horses and Camels - A survey on the role of Camels in Asian history.
Minnesota Zoo - About Camels in general.
National Zoo - Read about Dromedary and Bactrian Camels.
Red Sun Camels - Presents history of Camels in Australia.
