Why is the camel called the 'Ship of the desert'? (5 marks)
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Solution
Camel is called the "Ship of Desert" because it is the only means of transport found in deserts. (1 marks)
The body of a camel has undergone various modifications that help it to survive in the hot and dry conditions of the deserts.
Camels have very long legs that help them to walk in the sand and prevent the heat of the sand from reaching their bodies. (1 marks)
They have a prominent back or hump. It stores food which helps it to survive without food in the deserts for several days. (1 marks)
Another important adaptation that helps the camel to survive in the desert is its ability to conserve water. They do not sweat and excrete only small amounts of water through urine. The camel dung is dry and devoid of water. (1 marks)
All this helps the camel to conserve water and enables them to live without water for several days. (1 marks)