Learn something new every Friday. Join 2,000+ nerds and satisfy your curiosity one question at a time with topics including science, technology, history, and more.
Why do camels have humps?
β
Why do camels have humps?
The short answer
Contrary to popular belief, camels' humps do not contain water. Instead the humps are made up of concentrated fat that can be used as an emergency energy source.
The long answer
Camels are known for their ability to last extremely long periods of time in hot, arid desert conditions. And it's a popular myth that these humps (either one or two humps, depending on the species) store extra water for the camel to absorb when there is no water to be found. However these humps are actually made up of fat, and they serve two purposes: an emergency energy source and better temperature regulation.
Camels are able to metabolize the fat stored in their humps to go long periods of time without food. Each hump can store up to 80 pounds of fat.
Additionally, by concentrating the fat in prominent humps, camels are able to reduce heat insulation on hot days. If the extra fat they stored was evenly distributed around their body, it would cause them to overheat. Moreover, when the temperature drops at night, the extra heat stored in the humps is able to keep them warm.
Bonus brain points
How are camels able to last without water then?
Camels' ability to go long periods of time without water is thought to be due to the unique, oval shape of their red blood cells. Oval-shaped red blood cells are more elastic and can change shape more easily, which allows blood to flow more easily in thick blood when water is scarce. Their red blood cells are also able to significantly expand during rehydration. This is why a camel can drink up to 30 gallons in 10 minutes!
βSourcesβ
Book of the Week
βA Single Man by Christopher Isherwoodβ
This is a beautifully written novel that explores grief, loneliness, and identity through the journey of a middle-aged, gay English professor named George Falconer. Set in the 1960s, the book follows George as he grapples with the loss of his partner and reflects on his emotions and life. Through his daily routines and interactions with the world around him, George navigates the ups and downs of his emotions. It's a reminder of the beauty and importance of life, even in its most difficult moments. There is incredible prose throughout the novel, capturing the smallest details of life: "The perfect evening...lying down on the couch beside the bookcase and reading himself sleepy...Jim lying opposite him at the other end of the couch, also reading; the two of them absorbed in their books yet so completely aware of each other's presence."
P.S.
- π€ Do you have a question for the newsletter? Click here to submit your question. (or reply to this email!)
β - π Today You Should Know is an affiliate for Bookshop, an online book marketplace that supports local, independent bookstores. That means if you click on a book linked in the newsletter, we'll receive a nominal commission on any books purchased in the following 48 hours. Here is Today You Should Know's Recommended Reading List.
β - πΈ All affiliate proceeds will be donated to Room to Read, a leading nonprofit for children's literacy and girls' education across Asia and Africa. It's a win-win-win: you get to read a book, small bookstores get some business, and money is donated to a great cause.
|
Forwarded this message from a friend? Sign up to start receiving Today You Should Know!
|
β
π‘ Today You Should Know
Learn something new every Friday. Join 2,000+ nerds and satisfy your curiosity one question at a time with topics including science, technology, history, and more.
How does the birthday paradox work? π The short answer The birthday paradox shows that in a group of 23 people, thereβs over a 50% chance of a shared birthday. Only 23 people seems counterintuitively low, but with 253 possible pairings, a match becomes far more likely than it seems at first glance. π The long answer How many people must be in a group for there to be a greater than 50% chance that two share a birthday? The answer? Just 23 people. Fill the room with 75 people and the likelihood...
How does superglue work? π The short answer Unlike water-based glues that bond through evaporation, superglue works because of a chemical reaction triggered by the tiny amounts of moisture in the air. Its cyanoacrylate molecules rapidly link together into a strong, plastic-like material that bonds surfaces almost instantly. π The long answer Superglue? More like super-duper-glue. A one square-inch bond using superglue can hold more than a ton of weight. In fact, the Guinness World Record tops...
Why are people ticklish? This question came from a reader submission (thanks to both Aastha and an anonymous reader!). Has a curious question stumped you lately? Feel free to submit your own question here: Submit your question π The short answer When someone touches ticklish spots, your skin sends signals to your brain, triggering reflexes like squirming and laughter. Ticklishness likely evolved to protect sensitive areas of the body and to promote social bonding. π The long answer When you...