Camel
The
dromedary camel is characterized by a long-curved neck, deep-narrow chest, and
a single hump. Hair length is longer on the throat, shoulder, and hump. The
size of the hump varies with the nutritional status of the camel, becoming smaller
to non-existent during times of starvation.
The dromedary camel is a herbivore, eating primarily thorny plants and dry grasses.
Dromedaries usually form groups of 2-20 individuals. The group, or family, consists
of one male, and one to several females, subadults, and young. The male is the
dominant member of the family group and directs the family from the rear while
the females take turns leading. Dromedaries tend to travel by walking single
file.
Camels typically have 1 offspring at a time, after a gestation period of 15
months. Young are raised for a period of 2 years, before reaching adulthood.
Camels reach secual maturity and begin mating at approximately 4-5 years of
age.
The dromedary camel is used as a beast of burden by humans and also provides
humans with milk, meat, wool, leather, and fuel from dried manure. Through these
services, the dromedary camel has enabled humans to inhabit the seemingly inhabitable
desert.
