How does camel survive in a desert without drinking water ?

Question

Accepted Answer

Camels are well-adapted to survive in desert environments, and one of the ways they manage to do so without drinking water for extended periods is by obtaining moisture from desert plants. This is why Option 2 is the correct answer.

1. **Explanation for Option 2: From desert plants**
   - Camels have the ability to extract moisture from the plants they consume. Desert plants, such as cacti and succulents, often contain a significant amount of water. Camels can eat these plants and utilize the moisture content to stay hydrated. This adaptation is crucial for their survival in arid environments where water sources are scarce.

2. **Why Option 1 is incorrect: By the hump on its back**
   - While camels do have humps on their backs, these humps store fat, not water. The fat can be metabolized into energy and a small amount of water, but the primary function of the hump is energy storage, not hydration.

3. **Why Option 3 is incorrect: By eating other animals**
   - Camels are herbivores and primarily feed on vegetation. They do not rely on eating other animals for survival or hydration. Their diet consists mainly of plant material, which is where they derive their moisture.

4. **Why Option 4 is incorrect: Because of their long shaggy coats**
   - The long shaggy coats of camels help them regulate body temperature by providing insulation against the extreme heat of the desert during the day and the cold at night. However, their coat does not contribute to their ability to survive without drinking water.

In conclusion, camels' ability to extract moisture from desert plants is a key adaptation that allows them to survive in harsh desert conditions without frequent access to water, making Option 2 the correct answer.