Why Do Camels Have Humps?

Contrary to popular belief, the camel’s humps are not full of water. Instead, these odd protrusions are mounds of fat—allowing the gangly beast to travel days through the desert without stopping for a bite to eat. A camel can carry up to 80 pounds of fat on its back (Baby camels don’t get their humps until they start eating solid food). When a camel consumes the emergency food supply, the hump will shrink and fall to one side. Refueling and a good night’s sleep will return the hump to its upright position. Meantime, a camel can drink up to 20 gallons of water at a time, if there is any water around.

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