Camel and Giraffe

CAMEL AND GIRAFFE

Camel  (Camelus dromedarius)

  • Camels are the pseudo-ruminants.
  • In male dromedary, gula or dulaa is present which is a fold of tissue arising from the soft palate of camel. This is a bladder like structure.
  • Foot pad is unique in nature
  • RBCs have remarkable osmotic swelling capacity. It is able to tolerate extreme dehydration and is known to lose body water equal to 40 % of its body weight
  • Body acts as a heat sink during day time and in cool night, the heat is dissipated by conduction.
  • Concentrated urine is formed often.
  • The salt content of urine from a dehydrated camel may be twice the concentration of salt in sea water.
  • No gall bladder

Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis)

  • Mobile upper lips that overlap the hairy lower lip.
  • Tongue is extensile and prehensile
  • Seven cervical vertebrae and four mammary nipples.
  • Un-branched skin-covered bony protuberances are present.
  • Absence of gall bladder
  • Valves in the carotid arteries assist the balancing of the blood pressure of the head.
  • Giraffes do not swim and will not cross a water moat.
Last modified: Friday, 27 April 2012, 10:20 AM