How do camels go without water?

sameer638

Camels have a number of adaptations to enable them to go without water for long period of times. Camels can typically go without water from a week to upto 2 months. - Plasma volume is maintained at the expense of tissue fluid, so that circulation is not impaired. - The small oval erythrocyte of the camel can continue to circulate in situations of increased blood viscosity. - Camels can take in a very large amount of water at one session to make up for previous fluid loss. In other animals, this would result in severe osmotic problems. Camels can do this because water is absorbed very slowly from their stomach and intestines, allowing time for equilibration. Furthermore, their erythrocytes can swell to 240% of normal size without bursting. (Other species can only go to 150%.) - Their kidneys are capable of concentrating their urine markedly to reduce water loss. The urine can become as thick as syrup and have twice the salt content of sea water. - They can extract water from their fecal pellets so much that these can be used immediately for fuel upon voiding. http://www.marisamontes.com/all_about_camels.htm Apr 29 11, 12:30 AM

star_gazer

Correct! It is an urban legend that camels store water in their humps. http://www.life360.com/blog/camels-dont-store-water-in-their-humps-and-other-animal-myths/ Apr 29 11, 9:33 AM

satguru

I'd also recommend Creedy's camel quiz, you can't miss anything about them after playing it, including their water conserving toilet habits (1s and 2s). I won't give away the details in case anyone wants to play it and work it out. http://www.funtrivia.com/trivia-quiz/Animals/One-Lump-or-Two-with-Your-Camel-318392.html Apr 29 11, 7:41 PM