Question

Mention any four adaptations seen in the camel so that it can live successfully in deserts.

Answer 1

The adjustment of organisms to their environment in order to improve their chances of survival in that environment is referred to as adaptation. The theory of adaptations proposed by Charles Darwin. This theory is better known as survival of the fittest as the organisms which are better fitted to the environment have a greater chances of survival than the others.

Complete step by step answer: Adaptations are special characteristics which enables the organism to become able to survive in its natural habitat. Adaptations are not developed in the course of an organism's life. The feature of adaptations is the result of evolutionary processes which enhances the survival chances of an organism. The adaptations can be described as the changes or modification in the behaviours, physiology as well as biological systems which develop and support the survival and reproduction of the organism and this characteristic is passed on from one generation to the other.
Basically, there are three types of adaptations found in living organisms and they are structural adaptations, behavioural adaptations, and physiological adaptations. Adaptation is much more important for the survival of living organisms if the organism fails to fit in its nearby changing environment and can cause the death of the organism.
As the deserts have very hot environments with very little or scanty rainfall. As a result, the organism living in such extreme environments have developed certain types of physical and behavioural adaptations which help them to survive and cope up with the heat and conserve water. The camel possesses many adaptive features to lead their life in the desert.
In the desert, there is always blowing sand and severe sunlight is also present in the desert. The animals living in the desert bear certain types of structural modifications especially in their body parts to overcome the excess heat and less availability of water. The body is covered by a thick skin which is provided with good insulation and prevents overheating of the body in the harsh and hot sun. The camels have two rows of long eyelashes which are protecting their eyes against the sand and sunlight. Their nostrils also can be closed which help them to keep the blowing sand out. The legs of the camels are too long and strong. As it is long, their leg maintains the distance to keep its body further away from the hot sand. They are also able to carry heavy loads over long distances.
Camels are adapted with broad, flat, leathery pads at the bottom of their hooves. These pads spread out when the camel puts its feet on the hot ground and creates a snowshoe effect and the pads also prevent the camel from sinking into the sand.
The camels also possess one or several humps, in which they can store their food in the form of fat and water. Due to this, they can survive for the long period without food and water. The storage of food and water enables the camel to overcome the scarcity of water in the desert conditions.

Note: Adaptations are very common and special characteristics of every living organism. It is essential to survive in the changing environment of the ecosystem. A camel is a desert animal. Due to the hot and less water environment, it holds some features to adapt to the environmental condition. They have two rows of long eyelashes, closed nostrils, fat stored hump, long and strong legs, thick fur and underwool, broad flat leathery pads at the bottom of their hooves.