What is the purpose of a camel’s hump?

A camel’s hump stores fat, not water, as commonly believed. This fat acts as an energy reserve, allowing camels to survive long periods without food in arid environments. By concentrating fat in their humps, camels reduce heat insulation over the rest of their bodies, aiding in temperature regulation. When food and water are scarce, the fat is metabolised to release energy and water, sustaining the camel. A well-fed camel’s hump is firm and upright, while it may shrink or droop when resources are low.