Thermoregulation In Deserts: Scientific Adaptation In Deserts

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THERMOREGULATION IN CAMELS
Scientific classification:
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Mammalia
Order Artriodactyla
Family Camelidae
Genus Camelini
Introduction:
Camels are the large animals that live in the deserts of North Africa, Middle East and Asia. There are two types of camels, the dromedary camel lives in North Africa and the Bactrian camels live in central Asia. [1] In excessive hot temperature of desert, camels can maintain their body temperature; during day time, temperature is hot and at night it gets cold. The maximum temperature in hot desert increases to 49oC and in winter temperature falls to -40oC. Camels are one of the mammals who can survive in extremely hot and cold weathers. [2]
Thermoregulation:
Thermoregulation …show more content…

It is due to thermoregulation that camel can survive in harsh conditions of desert.
5. It provides protection to the brain in extremely high temperature conditions allowing camels to survive in deserts.
6. Prevents heat stress and dehydration. [2]
Adaptations of camels for thermoregulation:
In order to survive in the desert, they must have ways to deal with the desert heat. These measures are called as adaptations which have developed over years. [5] Camels have adapted to a number of mechanisms that help them to survive or fit into a particular location. [1]
Adaptive heterothermy:
It is the changing of body temperature within a certain range, camel store heat during the day resulting in a big comfortable temperature range of 34-40 degrees. When temperatures are above this, they experience dilation of arteries, increased respiration and perspiration. [3]
Loss of body weight:
Losing large quantities of body weight which is stored in the hump is another adaptation that possesses an adaptive advantage. Fat is metabolized and converted into water which is a by-product. This adaptive advantage is significant towards thermoregulation because it ensures that water replenishes within the body even when there is little water in the external environment.

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