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Camels are advanced mammals, descended from an ancient species of soft-footed ungulates in North America around 55 million years ago.
Today, the dromedary camel thrives in warmer climates, while the Bactrian camel is adapted to the high mountain deserts of Asia. Bactrian camels are stronger, more enduring, and can carry more goods, making them especially suited for long treks through the desert.
Despite their large stature, camels have small heads, thick and long necks that resemble a swan's. They feature split upper lips, aiding in their feeding habits. Their slender legs and large hooves help them avoid sinking into the scorching desert sands.
Camels generally have thick, brown fur. In the freezing winter, their dense fur provides excellent insulation, enhancing their cold resistance. During the sweltering summer, their fur not only reflects some of the sunlight but also insulates them, thus offering superior heat resistance.
Although camels are warm-blooded, their body temperature can vary significantly from night to day. At night, it can drop to about 34°C (93°F), and during the day, it can rise to up to 41°C (106°F).
Many are surprised, even discomforted, by the sight of a camel ejecting a ball of flesh from its mouth. So, what exactly is this mysterious ball?
While some speculate it's a meat pouch or even the camel's stomach, both assumptions are incorrect. It is actually the male camel's tongue, inflated during mating season.
Camels, following the pattern of many species in the wild, practice polygamy. During the breeding season, male camels will mate with multiple females, focusing solely on the quantity of mates rather than the survival or quality of their offspring.
Contrary to the males, female camels prioritize the quality of their offspring. Given their 13-month gestation period and the fact that they usually bear only one offspring at a time, and can only conceive once every two years, it's understandable why female camels are selective about their mates, focusing on the quality of their young.
Like most female animals, female camels prefer mates with the strongest genes and healthiest physiques. So, what traits in male camels appeal to these selective criteria?
The answer lies in the size of the meatball ejected from the mouth, which is actually the male camel's tongue, inflated into a spherical shape. This display is a part of their mating ritual, indicating their vitality and suitability as mates.
Known as the 'desert ship,' camels are the epitome of resilience and reliability in arid landscapes, born to thrive in the challenging conditions of the desert.
Camels' mouths are equipped with protective spikes, capable of breaking through the toughest desert plants like cacti, while their saliva forms a thick barrier against the prickly defenses.
Male camels boast 'iron mouths and steel tongues,' undaunted by the desert's harshness. The size of the flesh ball a male can display is considered a sign of its vitality and superior genetics, attracting female attention.
Camels have the ability to store large amounts of fat in their humps, transforming it into energy during food shortages. They can also lower their metabolic rate to conserve energy when food is scarce, showcasing their incredible adaptability.
The camel's large nasal chambers are lined with numerous fine, twisted tubes. In times of extreme dehydration, these tubes stop secreting fluid, forming a hard layer that enables the camel to reabsorb water during breathing, minimizing water loss effectively.
The camel's stomach is equipped with special compartments that act as water reservoirs, enabling it to store vast quantities of water—up to several tens of liters in a single drinking session.
From this perspective, the camel's evolutionary advancements could be considered on par with humans in terms of adaptation and survival strategies.
