How camels survive the heat of the desert

They are insulated from the heat of sunlight by their thick fur. Even their hump provides additional protection from the sun’s rays, being it full of fat reserves, that are insulating as well.

They have also undergone changes that make them able to survive for long periods of time with very little water, and to drink huge quantities of it in a very short time. In fact, unlike what most people believe, camels and dromedaries are unable to store the water they drink.

They are able to drink about 100 liters of water in a few minutes. A blood dilution of that level would destroy the red blood cells of almost any other animal by osmosis.

Camels solved this problem by temporarily keeping the water in their first stomach and releasing it gradually into the body, but not for long periods of time.

Their red blood cells can continue to function even if they swell, as is the case when the percentage of water in the blood is high. On the contrary, their small size and oval shape helps them flow smoothly even in a very dense blood (with little water).

They also have excellent kidneys, and as the percentage of water in their blood decreases, their veins and arteries get narrower, keeping blood pressure constant.