The Camel

The camel is one of the oldest domesticated animals. Its hump

stores fat, not water. This fat is used as a source of energy when
food is limited. Baby camels are born without a hump. They can
go without water for up to two months. A thirsty camel can drink
151 liters (40 gallons) of water at one time.

Camels eat grass, seeds, twigs, plants and grain. They have three
eyelids and two rows of thick eyelashes to protect their eyes from
the desert dust. They are also able to close their nostrils to keep
out the dust.

A camel’s milk is rich in iron, vitamins and minerals, and is healthier

than a cow’s milk because it contains less fat. They can run up to
64 km per hour (40 mph), and they can live for 40 – 50 years. A
camel’s fur reflects the desert sun and keeps them cool in
extremely hot temperatures.

When a camel feels threatened, they are known for spitting. They
can also kick in all four directions with all four of their legs.

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 The Camel - Questions
Choose the correct answer:
1. The hump of a camel stores… 4. Camels have…
a) Water. a) 3 eyelids.
b) Fat. b) 1 eyelid.
c) Vitamins and minerals. c) 2 eyelids.
2. Baby camels are… 5. When camels feel threatened they
a) Born without a hump. will…
b) Born with a hump. a) Play dead.
c) Born deaf and blind. b) Run.
3. Camels can go without water for… c) Spit.
a) 5 days. 6. Camel’s milk is healthier than cow’s
b) 5 months. milk.
c) 2 months. a) True.
b) False.

Vocabulary – Write the meaning of the following words:

1. Domesticated:

2. Source:

3. Reflect:

4. Threaten:

5. Spit:

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 The Camel - Answers
Multiple choice:

1. The hump of a camel stores fat.

2. Baby camels are born without a hump.
3. Camels can go without water for 2 months.
4. Camels have 3 eyelids.
5. When camels feel threatened they will spit.
6. Camel’s milk is healthier than cow’s milk – True.

Vocabulary:

1. Domesticated: Tame and kept as a pet or on a farm.

2. Source: A thing from which something comes or can be
obtained.
3. Reflect: To throw back (heat, light, or sound) without
absorbing it.
4. Threaten: To cause (someone or something) to be vulnerable
or at risk; endanger.
5. Spit: To eject saliva forcibly from one's mouth.

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