Camels survive in the harshest environments on Earth. While people know them for their humps, their bodies contain biological superpowers that scientists still study today. For instance, their blood cells change shape to prevent dehydration. Furthermore, their milk stays fresh much longer than cow milk due to its unique chemical structure. Prepare to meet the ultimate survivors.
Camels
Their famous humps store fat rather than water. When food becomes scarce in the desert, the camel breaks down this fat into energy. A healthy camel can carry up to 80 pounds (36 kilograms) of fat on its back.
Camels possess three distinct sets of eyelids. Two sets have long eyelashes to block sand, while the third works like a windshield wiper. Consequently, they can see clearly even during the most violent sandstorms that blind other animals.
They can drink 40 gallons (150 liters) of water in just ten minutes. Specifically, a thirsty camel rehydrates faster than any other mammal on the planet. This incredible ability allows them to recover instantly after weeks without a drink.
Their red blood cells are oval-shaped instead of round. This unique shape allows blood to flow smoothly even when the animal becomes severely dehydrated. Furthermore, the cells can expand to 240% of their size when the camel drinks.
Camel milk contains three times more Vitamin C than cow milk. Therefore, desert people relied on it to prevent scurvy during long journeys across the dunes. Additionally, the milk is rich in iron and surprisingly low in fat.
They can close their nostrils completely at will. This muscular ability prevents sand from entering their nose during violent desert storms. Thus, Camels breathe comfortably while other animals struggle to find shelter from the wind.
Camels have thick, leathery calluses on their chests. These tough pads protect them from the burning heat of the sand when they lie down. Without this pedestal, the scorching ground would burn their skin immediately upon contact.
They spit green slime when they feel threatened. However, the substance is actually a mix of foul-smelling stomach contents and saliva. They use this disgusting tactic to surprise predators and distract them long enough to escape.
Camels can run up to 40 miles per hour (65 kilometers per hour). Despite their clumsy appearance, they sprint faster than racehorses over short distances. Moreover, they can maintain a steady speed of 25 miles per hour (40 kilometers per hour).
Their thick fur reflects sunlight to keep them cool. This coat insulates them from extreme heat during the day and keeps them warm at night. In fact, their body temperature can fluctuate by 11 degrees Fahrenheit (6 degrees Celsius).
Camels have a split upper lip that moves independently. This feature allows them to eat thorny plants like acacia without injuring their mouths. They use their lips like fingers to grasp the leaves carefully before they chew.
They can survive without water for nearly seven months. In winter, they get enough moisture from plants to avoid drinking entirely. This endurance makes them the most reliable transport in arid regions like the Sahara.
The military used Camels in the American West. In the 1850s, the U.S. Army imported them to transport supplies across Texas and Arizona. Although the experiment worked, the soldiers hated the smell and the stubborn attitude of the animals.
Newborn camels have no humps when they are born. Instead, the fatty tissue develops only when they start eating solid food. The calf can walk alongside its mother within thirty minutes of birth.
Their urine is thick like syrup to save moisture. This adaptation minimizes water loss and helps them survive extreme droughts. Furthermore, their dry manure burns easily, so desert travelers use it as fuel for fires.
