Camels

 Camels are herbivores; they eat desert vegetation, such as grasses, herbs, and leaves. Camels are
mammals with long legs, a big-lipped snout and a humped back.
 There are two types of camels: Dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius), which have one hump, and
Bactrian camels (Camelus bactrianus), which have two humps.

Why does camel have nostrils that can close?

 Camels nostrils can close so sand doesn’t get up to its nose.
Why do camels have long eyelashes?
 The long eyelashes keep sand out of the camel's eyes.
 Thick eyebrows shield the eyes from the desert sun. 

Offspring
 Female camels usually only have one baby, but sometimes camels have twins. The newborn is able to
walk within 30 minutes. Camels become fully mature when they are 7 years old. 

Habitat

 The two types of camel are found in different parts of the world. The dromedary camel, also called an
Arabian camel, can be found in North Africa and the Middle East. The Bactrian camel lives in Central
Asia. No matter the type, camels are usually found in the desert, prairie or steppe.
 Though many people think that camels only live in hot climates, they do well in temperature ranges
from minus 29 degrees C minus 49 degrees C.

Other Adaptations:

1. A camel can go a week or more without water, and they can last for several months without food. They can
drink 113 litersof water in just 13 minutes.

2. Camels store fat in the hump, not water. The fat can be turned into food or energy when they have nothing
to eat.
3. Camels feet are wide so they can walk on sand more easily. Their huge feet help them to walk on sand
without sinking into it.
4. Camels have thick lips so they can eat the prickly desert plants with out feeling pain.
5. The colour of their bodies helps them to blend into their environment.
6. Camel's ears are covered with hair, even on the inside. The hair helps keep out sand or dust that might
blow into the animal's ears.
 Maputo International College
Primary Department
Science 4

LAST NAME: __________________________ FIRST NAME: ____________________________

SECTION: 4 - _________________________ DATE: ___________________

Q1) Camels may caught in sandstorms. Why have camels got long eyelashes and thick eyebrows?
_______________________________________________________________________________________

Q2) It’s long way between oases. Why have camels got a hump?
_______________________________________________________________________________________

Q3) Camels often walk on sof sand. Why have camels got big, broad feet?
_______________________________________________________________________________________

Q4) What do camels eat? _________________________________________________________________

Q5) Why do camels have thick lips? _________________________________________________________

Q6) Why do camels have hairy ears? ________________________________________________________

Q7) How many litres of water can a camel drink in 13 minutes? __________________________________

Q8) Describe a camel. ___________________________________________________________________

Q9) How many offsprings can a camel have? _________________________________________________

Q10) What are the two types of camel?

A) ______________________________________________________________________
B) ______________________________________________________________________