Camel
camel
a kind of animal – mammal – very large with long neck and long legs, but a short tail; feeds (eats) on grasses and leaves of trees; two types:
(a)
dromedary (Arabian) camel – one hump (a growth of fat on its back which serves as food store) ; grows to about 6 feet (1.8 m) tall at the shoulder and 7 feet with the hump, and weighs up to 500 Kg.; lives for 40-50 years; found in the deserts of western Asia and east Africa
(b)
bactrian camel – two humps; grows to about 6 feet (1.8 m) tall at the shoulder and 7 feet with the hump, and weighs up to 650 Kg.; lives for 40-50 years found in the deserts of central and east Asia
male ~~ bull
female ~~ cow
baby ~~ calf
group ~~ flock
voice (call) ~~ grunt
Special Features:
Camel is the national animal of Kuwait, an Arab emirate (like a state) on the coast of the Persian Gulf in Asia.
A camel is a patient animal, but can be short-tempered when annoyed only; however, it could be obstinate at times, second only to donkey.
A camel is also known as the ‘ship of the desert’ or ‘the lord of the desert’ because it can stay alive without food or water for longer periods in the harsh conditions of the deserts.
- feet with pads
Its soft flat feet help it to walk with ease on the desert sand;
and it can close its eyes and nostrils (nose holes) tight to avoid sand getting into them when there is a sandstorm.
- closed nose holes
It is know to guide people to safety in sudden stand-storms.
It can store fat in its hump(s), not water as is believed by many people, and use it when needed.
It is the most common beast of burden in the desert areas – can carry about 250 Kg. of load and travel for 48 Km. a day for days on end.
Its milk, meat, hair and skin are used by people – the rough hair is used for making artists’ painting brushes.
- beast of burden
It is used in the military operations – can run up to 40 Km. on average and up to 60 Km. at short distances – in several desert countries.
The dried camel dung is used in cooking fires in treeless desert areas!
Figures of Speech:
1.
a camel =
(a) a device used to raise the things that are sunken in water, consisting of a hollow structure that is put into water, attached tightly to the object and pumped free of water and then lifted to the surface of water (also called ‘caisson’)
(b) a float – placed along side a pier or wharf to protect the large boats or ships
(c) a type of spin in figure skating sport
2.
camelhair =
(a) a soft cloth made from the camel’s hair
(b) a paint brush made from a squirrel’s hair/camel’s hair
3.
it’s the last straw that breaks the camel’s back [said of the final event or action or comment in a series that makes something or someone impossible to bear or tolerate; the limit of something a person or thing can withstand]
4.
like the camel that has lost its ears seeking horns [said of someone who risks losing what they have already got by foolishly going for something that is impossible to get]
Mr. Kumar, an English language teacher, having taught in many countries around the world including Ethiopia and Oman shares this English Language Reference website using material that he has written and compiled during the past 20 years.
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