Special adaptations
Camels do well in the desert country because their bodies are suited to dry conditions. Camels need to drink water
less often than cattle, horses or donkeys. This is because their body is adapted to keep cool and save water.
Sketch: Jo Moloney
The camel has big feet to stop it sinking into the
soil. The foot has 2 toes and a soft, cushioned
pad which is heat resistant.
The camel has long legs which allow the air
to move under its body, helping to keep it cool.
The camel’s neck is long, so it can eat or drink
without kneeling. (An adult camel’s neck can
reach upto 3.5 metres).
The camel’s eyes are protected from sand and
sun by thick eyebrows and lashes. The eyelid is
transparent. This means the camel can see when
its eyes are shut.
The calloused (hard) patches on the camel’s
knees and chest protect the skin and muscles
from damage when the camel lies on hot or
rough ground.
The camel’s hump is made of fat. This is an
emergency food store.
The camel has a thick furry winter coat to keep
it warm. In summer it sheds its fur so it can
keep cool.
The camel has slit nostrils to stop sand blowing
in and to prevent moisture loss.
The camel’s ears are small and furry which helps
to keep the sand out.
The camel has a split lip which makes it very
suited to eating leaves off trees and shrubs.
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