Dromedary Camel

The dromedary, or one-humped camel, is native to the Middle East and the Horn of Africa, and is built specifically for life in hot, arid climates where food and water can be scarce.

A common misconception is that a camel's hump stores water. It actually stores fat. When food is scarce, the camel's body converts that fat into energy and metabolic water, which helps it survive long stretches without eating.

Camels have several other adaptations for desert life, including long, thick eyelashes and eyebrows that help shield their eyes from blowing sand, and nostrils that can close almost completely during sandstorms.

Camels are also able to drink large quantities of water very quickly when it is available, replenishing their reserves in a short amount of time before setting off again.