Camel Skull

These even-toed ungulates are able to survive in some of the most desolate parts of the world.  They thrive in environments so hot and dry that most large animals would not be able to survive.  Camels are able to avoid both predators and competitors because of their amazing adaptability and efficient use of natural resources.  Arabian camels, which have only one hump, live in the hot deserts of North Africa and the Middle East.  Bactrian camels, which have two humps, live in the rocky deserts and grasslands of Asia that can get very hot and very cold.  Camels can withstand body temperatures that would kill most other animals, and they can go long periods of time without water because of many physiological adaptations to their harsh climate.  Contrary to popular belief, camels do not store water in their humps.  Rather, the hump is a store of concentrated body fat that minimizes heat trapping in the rest of the body.  Camels are mainly herbivores, but if food is scarce they will eat meat, fish or anything they can find.  They feed primarily on plants and leaves, and their mouths are tough like a giraffe's so that they are able to withstand the sharp thorns of many desert plants.