hump
Quick Summary
A hump is a rounded protuberance, often a fleshy one on the back of an animal like a camel or bison. While commonly believed to store water, a camel's hump actually stores fatty tissue. This fat serves as a vital source of nourishment when food is scarce, allowing the camel to survive long periods without eating. The humps also play a role in thermoregulation, helping camels manage extreme desert temperatures by minimizing heat insulation across their bodies. Some cattle breeds, like Brahman cattle, are also characterized by a hump above their shoulders.123
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