Sunday, July 20, 2008

THE DESERT TRANSPORT


Are camel humps filled with water?

Camels can cross the deserts because their humps are filled with water; this is what we know! Well, we are all wrong. A camel’s hump is actually filled with fat. The bloodstream, where most of the 150 liters of water it drinks in a single go is stored, is the main source of its water.

Unlike other mammals, which have round blood cells, camels’ blood cells are oval, so they can slip easily through veins and arteries even when they are dehydrated, and they can also absorb lots of water without rupturing.

Camels also protect themselves against desert conditions by sweating far less than most animals; closing their elongated nostrils so that a large amount of water vapor in their exhalations is trapped and returned to their body fluids, reducing the amount of water lost through respiration producing dry feces and little urine, and reflecting sunlight from their coats. Even that fatty hump comes in handy. As the fat is converted to energy, it produces water as a byproduct. Although, the myth is false, it is half true in the long term.


7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oyy, akala ko rin tubig ang laman ng humps. Thanks! I enjoy watching the camel race. Tune in ka sa Dubai lagi on weekends. They are alternately showing horse and camel races. And mind you, and mga jockeys ay young boys! Why are they allowing young boys to race?

Bay Martin said...

They are sturdy animals. They can last a week without water and without food for months.

What I know is that camel racing in Dubai takes place on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays throughout the winter months. In the past young boys between the ages of 6 and 7 were allowed to race, but it became an international issue. Now they don't allow child jockeys who are less than 15 years of age. Maybe, what you have seen were races, which took place years back.

Anonymous said...

You mentioned last time na may camel milk? Have you tried it?

Bay Martin said...

Yes, it's available anywhere. The milk box is red in color. Well, it has a sourly sweet taste. Just try it!

Anonymous said...
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Anonymous said...

Oooohhh, I see, parang nakita ko na yan, but I didn't know that it's camel's milk. Thanks!

Bay Martin said...

Hope you like the taste uuurrrgghhh!!!