Fun Science Facts from the Library of Congress
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Question How much water does a camel’s hump hold?Answer
None.
Egypt, Pyramids. Pyramid & camel rider reflected in Nile overflow. Matson Photo Service, between 1950-1977. Prints & Photographs Division, Library of CongressA camel’s hump does not hold water at all – it actually stores fat. The camel uses it as nourishment when food is scarce. If a camel uses the fat inside the hump, the hump will become limp and droop down. With proper food and rest the hump will return to normal.
Bactrian camel, Druid Hill Park, Baltimore, Md. Detroit Publishing Co, 1906. Prints & Photographs Division, Library of CongressThe hump is not used for water storage, but camels can go for long periods of time without water. They drink large amounts of water – up to 20 gallons at a time. This water is stored in the animal’s bloodstream.
Camels halting in the desert, Holy Land. Detroit Publishing Company, between 1890 and 1900. Prints & Photographs Division, Library of CongressPublished: 11/19/2019. Updated 1/6/2024. Author: Science Reference Section, Library of Congress
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Further Reading
Bloom, Cleo. Camels .
Hoagstrom, Carl W., editor. "Camels." In: Magill's encyclopedia of science: animal life . Pasadena, CA: Salem Press. 2002. v. 1, p. 156-158.
Gauthier-Pilters, Hilde and Anne Innis Dagg. The camel, its evolution, ecology, behavior, and relationship to man .
Gish, Melissa. Camels .
Goudie, Andrew. Camel tracks: a history of exploration, warfare and policing in the modern imperial age .
Sirota, Lyn A. Camels .
Search Terms
Camels.
Camels--Juvenile literature.
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