They differ physically in three things: the number of humps, their height and the type of fur. Also, their habitat is not the same. Both originate from a common ancestor — which lived in North America 40 million years ago — but now live in different regions of the planet.
The camel (camelus bactrianus) is found only in Central Asia, whereas the dromedary (camelus dromedarius), known as the Arabian camel, is found not only in parts of Asia but also in Africa. In fact, he’s the one you see in those movies set in the Sahara desert.
Closely related, these two ruminant mammals are the only species in the family Camelidae and are used by man as a means of transport in desert regions. Fast and hardy, dromedaries can run at 16 km/h for up to 18 hours straight. Camels, on the other hand, travel much slower, at around 5 km/h, but on the other hand, they are capable of carrying heavy loads on trips of up to 50 kilometers away.
In common, both have the ability to stay for several days without drinking water – there are records of animals that lasted up to 17 days without even a sip. Because they are not very distant “cousins”, camels and dromedaries can breed with each other, generating offspring that are also capable of reproducing.
Similar, but not so much
Number of humps, height and hair reveal who’s who
double ledge
The most visible distinction between the two animals is on the back. While camels have two humps 1, dromedaries only have one 2. The humps are formed by important fat deposits
size issue
Another difference is in the height of both. Camels have 3 shorter legs, while dromedaries have 4 longer legs
Long or short suit
While the dromedary presents the body covered by a short coat 5, the camel has long and showy hair 6, mainly on the thighs, rump and head. In the winter months, this coat can reach the ground.