A camel is an even-toed ungulate in the genus Camelus that bears distinctive fatty deposits known as "humps" on its back. Camels have long been domesticated and, as livestock , they provide food milk and meat and textiles fiber and felt from hair. Camels are working animals especially suited to their desert habitat and are a vital means of transport for passengers and cargo.

Natural history

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As we face the ongoing challenges of COVID, our team of dedicated specialists continue to care for countless animals and plants that depend on us each and every day. Your continued support is critical to the wildlife in our care and vital to endangered species worldwide. Ships of the desert. Camels were domesticated more than 3, years ago, and to this day, humans depend on them for transport across arid environments. They can easily carry an extra pounds 90 kilograms while walking 20 miles 32 kilometers a day in the harsh desert. Camels can travel as fast as horses but can also endure legendary periods of time without food or water. Humans have used camels for their wool, milk, meat, leather, and even dung, which can be used for fuel. The dromedary camel, also known as the Arabian camel, exists today only as a domesticated animal. There are two types of Bactrian camels: wild and domesticated. Wild Bactrian camels are much trimmer, with smaller humps and less hair, than domesticated Bactrian camels.
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To save this word, you'll need to log in. Send us feedback. See more words from the same century Dictionary Entries near camel Camden came cameist camel camel's hay camelback camel bird. Accessed 5 Aug. Keep scrolling for more More Definitions for camel camel. Please tell us where you read or heard it including the quote, if possible. Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
All rights reserved. The ancient camel question is: One hump or two? Arabian camels, also known as dromedaries, have only one hump, but they employ it to great effect.