• The dromedary’s red blood cells are oval-shaped and resist osmotic stress when it rapidly drinks large amounts of water.

The dromedary camel possesses distinctive features adapted to its environment; young dromedaries have a small hump containing fat reserves to help them survive periods of hunger, while adult Arabian camels have one large hump on their back that stores fat for energy when food is scarce. The species has long, strong legs with wide, calloused pads that allow it to walk on hot sand and conserve water, and young dromedaries have long legs with wide padded feet that prevent them from sinking into the sand. Adult Arabian camels also have a long, flexible neck to reach leaves on tall bushes, and long, thick eyelashes to protect their eyes from bright sunlight and sand. The nostrils of the species can close completely, protecting the nose from sand during storms.