Differences between camel and dromedary

Author: Peter Berry
Date Of Creation: 17 February 2021
Update Date: 6 November 2024
Anonim
Dromedary Camel & Bactrian Camel - The Differences
Video: Dromedary Camel & Bactrian Camel - The Differences

Content

The camel and the dromedary are very animals similar, as it comes from the same family, the camelid. Divided into races, they are defined as Camelus Bactrianus, known only as camels, and Camelus dromedarius, better known as dromedaries.

There are many films produced in the desert, in which we can see them carrying people and goods. Although we know these two animals, one of the most frequently asked questions is about the difference between the camel and the dromedary: Which one has two humps?

In addition to this issue, the two animals have other differences. Don't worry if you don't know the answer, because in this PeritoAnimal article, you'll learn about the similarities and the 10 differences between a camel and a dromedary.


Similarities between camel and dromedary

camels and dromedaries can cross each other, generating offspring that can also reproduce later. Both have hooves on their feet that allow them to roam long distances on the sand. These animals also have a great ability to water storage throughout your organism.

Among its features, some stand out, such as the resistant jaws that allow the crushing of possibly unpalatable food for other animals. Also, your eyes water frequently and your humps may decrease in energy search. Have control over the body temperature, retaining all heat and do not transpire like other mammals. They manage to go without drinking water for a significant time and also show no strong instinct in seeking food.


Both the dromedary and the camel have 3 stomachs, one exclusively for the food to be digested and the other for the water. In addition, these animals have a third eyelid to protect their eyes in sandstorms and have control of their nostrils when walking in those storms. As for the senses, they are not good at seeing and smelling, they can barely smell the food that is next to them.

Both in the mating process, inflate the pouch in their mouths to leave it exposed and attract the females' attention. The female sits with all 4 legs, the male sits on her from behind. Unfortunately, in some countries, camels and dromedaries remain used as a means of transport.

Keep reading to discover the 10 differences between camel and dromedary.


1. Humps

One of the main differences between dromedary and camel is the number of humps each one has, being the easiest way to identify each species.

How many humps do the camel and the dromedary have?

  • Camels (Camelus bactrianus): two humps.
  • Dromedary (Camelus dromedarius): Only a hump.

In the case of camels, the humps serve as a deposit of adipose tissue, helping the animals to protect themselves from the cold, since the temperatures they are exposed to are extremely low. The dromedaries, on the other hand, use humps as an energy deposit and water reserve for a long journey in the desert. According to National Geographic1, can store up to 36 kilos of fat in their hump. Another surprising fact is its absorption capacity. A thirsty dromedary can drink 135 liters of water in just 15 minutes.

Can humps reduce their size?

Both camels and dromedaries can be dehydrated by up to 40%. This is due to the humps that are filled with fat that turns into food and energy. When a camel starts to get dehydrated, the humps start to shrink in size. They can even become flexible and move to the sides of the camel and dromedary. As the animal regains strength, the hump returns to its vertical position.

2. Origin

Camels have their origin in the Central Asia. As for dromedaries, they originate from the Arabian Peninsula, Africa and Saara's desert.

3. Temperature they support

Camels are prepared to withstand long cold spells in winter (consider the Gobi Desert, where it can be minus 40 degrees Celsius). The dromedaries are more prepared to withstand high temperatures than camels. We are talking about situations that exceed 50 degrees.

4. Food

Camels eat all kinds of plant life. any type of vegetation. The most varied diet includes, in addition to fruits, grains, herbs and seeds, dry leaves, branches and even weeds. Dromedaries basically feed on the vegetation they find in the desert: thorny plants, cacti, grass, tree leaves and herbs.

5. Same colors, different hair

camels present longer coat dromedaries to, as mentioned above, protect themselves from extreme cold. The dromedaries present shorter coat and very uniform throughout your body. This type of cloak helps the animal to withstand the heat better.

6. Height

camels are nothing but a meter and a half tall. The dromedaries, on the other hand, have longer legs (thus, they are farther away from the heat that emanates from the ground), and can reach two meters in height.

7. Weight

Camels are heavier than dromedaries, weighing between 300 and 700 kilos. The dromedaries are lighter, weighing between 400 and 600 kilos, which is another of the main differences between camel and dromedary.

8. Resistance to the environment

Camels can climb mountainous terrain or snowy places, while dromedaries are more resistant in general, they are better able to handle long journeys without eating or drinking.

9. Temperament

Camels are calmer animals, show less aggressive reactions. They are generally more chosen to serve as a means of transportation in some countries for this reason. The dromedaries present aggressive reactions when they are disturbed.

10. Speed

Another difference between camel and dromedary is their speed, as camels are slower, walking at approx. 5 kilometers per hour. The dromedaries are much faster and even run 16 km/h for up to 18 hours straight!