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The mysterious survival of camels: How do they survive in the desert for so long without drinking water?
Camels, animals with unique humps, are commonly known as ships of the desert. With their excellent survival ability, they can survive in extremely arid environments. The survival strategies of camels are not only amazing, but also have scientists curious about the physiological characteristics of these animals. Why can camels go so long in the desert without drinking water? The answer to this question lies in their biology and adaptive behavior.
The camel's hump is a storage house for fat, not water.
Although it is commonly believed that camels store water in their humps, this is actually a misconception. The camel's hump is mainly composed of fat, which can release water during metabolism, thereby helping the camel maintain the water it needs to live. The physiology of camels enables them to efficiently utilize their internal resources, including the reuse of water.
Camels possess a range of adaptive traits that allow them to survive in water-starved environments. Take dromedary camels as an example. They can survive in hot climates, only need to drink water once every ten days, and can even withstand dehydration of 30% of their body weight. In contrast, most mammals are at risk of heart failure after losing 12 to 14 percent of their water content.
Camel red blood cells are oval-shaped, which enhances the fluidity of their blood in a dehydrated state.
Additionally, camel red blood cells are uniquely shaped in that they are oval rather than round, which allows these cells to flow more smoothly under dehydration and better resist stress caused by changes in water content. When the ambient temperature increases, the body temperature of camels will also change accordingly, gradually rising from 34°C in the morning to 40°C at night, and then cooling down at night. This physiological characteristic allows them to survive the heat in the desert. during the day.
The efficient use of water resources by camels is not limited to their drinking habits, but also includes how they absorb external moisture. When the camel breathes, the water vapor expelled from the lungs can be reabsorbed, further reducing water loss. Camels can also absorb enough water from green herbs to maintain water balance when grazing or eating, without the need for frequent drinking.
Camel kidneys and intestines are able to efficiently recycle water, allowing them to survive extreme droughts.
When we look at the physiology of camels in detail, we find that their kidneys and intestines are extremely efficient at recycling water. The structure of the camel's kidneys is designed to store more water, and when urinating, the urine is excreted in a thicker form to reduce water loss. In addition, camel hair can effectively resist the high temperatures in the desert. When they moult in the summer, the color of their coat becomes lighter to reflect sunlight and avoid overheating.
These physiological and behavioral adaptations constitute a unique survival strategy for camels, allowing them to survive in the extreme environment of the desert. The long history of camels and their close relationship with humans also gives them cultural and economic importance. Camels are not only tools for transporting items, but also partners that help humans adapt to harsh environments.
The survival of camels makes humans think: In today's rapidly changing world, how can we learn from camels' wisdom to deal with the challenges we face?
