Question

2 the camel is physically adapted to even the hottest desert temperatures in several important ways. of course, its famous ability to function without water, sometimes for as long as ten days, is one of these adaptations. contrary to popular belief, water is not stored in the camels distinctive hump, but camels do retain extra resources of water in their bloodstream. further, camels waste little water through sweating or urination, or even while breathing, and their oval - shaped red blood cells allow blood to flow even when water is scarce. while the hump might not store water, it is still a utilitarian feature in that it stores energy in the form of fat. this is important in the desert where food can be scarce, especially during the dry summer months when only parched vegetation is available for grazing.

1. which of the following best expresses the central idea of this paragraph?

a. the camel can go for up to ten days without water.
b. the camels hump does not, as most people believe, store water, rather, it stores fat.
c. food and water are scarce in the desert, so the camel does not sweat or urinate.
d. the camels ability to function without water is an important adaptation to the hot climate of the desert.

Explanation:

The paragraph focuses on how the camel is physically adapted to the desert, with its ability to function without water being a key adaptation. Option A only mentions the water - no - consumption duration. Option B is about the hump's function. Option C has incorrect reasoning (the camel not sweating or urinating is part of water - conservation, not because food and water are scarce). Option D correctly ties the camel's water - function ability to desert adaptation.

Answer:

D. The camel's ability to function without water is an important adaptation to the hot climate of the desert.