What are the advantages of Humps in Camels as an adaptation to dry climates ?

store water

store fat

insulation of Heat

Select the correct option from the codes given below:

Question

Store Water: It is a common misconception that camel humps store water. While camels are incredibly efficient at conserving water and can survive for long periods without drinking, their humps do not store water. Instead, the shape of their red blood cells and the way they manage water and heat distribution throughout their bodies contribute to their ability to conserve water.
Store Fat: This is correct. The humps of camels are primarily fat storage areas. By concentrating their fat in the hump, camels avoid insulating their entire body with fat, which would make it harder for them to stay cool in the hot desert environment. This stored fat can be metabolized into water and energy when food sources are scarce, helping the camel to survive in harsh conditions.
Insulation of Heat: Camel humps can indirectly help with thermal regulation, but not in the sense of active insulation. The hump\'s fat, by being concentrated in one area, allows the rest of the camel\'s body to efficiently dissipate heat. If a camel were to have a layer of fat all over its body like some animals, it would insulate the animal and prevent it from releasing heat, which would be detrimental in hot climates.

Based on these functions, the correct options are 2 and 3.

GKToday Admin · Accepted Answer

Only 2 & 3

Store Water: It is a common misconception that camel humps store water. While camels are incredibly efficient at conserving water and can survive for long periods without drinking, their humps do not store water. Instead, the shape of their red blood cells and the way they manage water and heat distribution throughout their bodies contribute to their ability to conserve water.
Store Fat: This is correct. The humps of camels are primarily fat storage areas. By concentrating their fat in the hump, camels avoid insulating their entire body with fat, which would make it harder for them to stay cool in the hot desert environment. This stored fat can be metabolized into water and energy when food sources are scarce, helping the camel to survive in harsh conditions.
Insulation of Heat: Camel humps can indirectly help with thermal regulation, but not in the sense of active insulation. The hump\'s fat, by being concentrated in one area, allows the rest of the camel\'s body to efficiently dissipate heat. If a camel were to have a layer of fat all over its body like some animals, it would insulate the animal and prevent it from releasing heat, which would be detrimental in hot climates.

Based on these functions, the correct options are 2 and 3.

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