Adaptations in Camels

Adaptations are special characteristics that an organism is born with and which enable it to survive in its natural habitat. Adaptations are not developed in the course of an organism's life. The following adaptations show that the camel is specially suited to live in the desert.
Adaptation: Two rows of long eyelashes

Function: Protect against blowing sand and the sun		 Adaptation: Nostrils can be closed

Function: Keep out blowing sand
Adaptation: Fat stored in hump(s)

Function: Help it to survive long periods without food and water		 Adaptation: Thick fur and underwool

Function: Provide warmth during cold desert nights and insulation against daytime heat
Adaptation: Thick leathery patches on knees

Function: Protect it from getting burn when it kneels on the hot desert sand		 Adaptation: Long strong legs

Function: Help carry heavy loads over long distances and keep its body further away from the hot sand
Adaptation: Broad, flat, leathery pads at the bottom of their hooves

Function: Pads spread out when the camel places its feet on the ground thus creating a "snowshoe effect" and preventing the camel from sinking into the sand


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© by Alan & Hui Meng