Ask Difference

Camel vs. Dromedary — What's the Difference?

Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 27, 2023
A camel is a humped mammal adapted for desert climates; dromedaries are a type of camel with one hump, while Bactrian camels have two.

Difference Between Camel and Dromedary

ADVERTISEMENT

Key Differences

If you travel across different parts of the world, you might encounter both types of camels. The dromedary is predominantly found in the Middle East and the Horn of Africa. In contrast, the two-humped variety of camel, known as the Bactrian camel, is native to Central Asia.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 27, 2023
It's interesting to note that the dromedary, despite being synonymous with desert landscapes, is also found in various domesticated settings, utilized for transportation, milk, meat, and as a beast of burden. When we use the word camel in a broad sense, it can refer to both the one-humped dromedary and the two-humped Bactrian camel.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 27, 2023
When one thinks of a camel, the iconic image of a creature with a hump or humps comes to mind. These humps store fat, which can be broken down into water and energy when sustenance isn't available. A dromedary, being a type of camel, possesses this adaptation, but is unique with its one singular hump.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 27, 2023
The term camel serves as an umbrella term for certain large, humped mammals that have adapted to living in desert conditions. On the other hand, the dromedary is a specific kind of camel, characterized by its single hump. So, while every dromedary is a camel, not every camel is a dromedary.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 27, 2023
From an evolutionary standpoint, both the camel and dromedary share common ancestors. However, over time and through natural selection, the dromedary adapted to its environment with its distinctive single hump, while other camel species developed two.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 27, 2023

Comparison Chart

Definition

A humped mammal adapted for desert life.
A one-humped camel species.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 27, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT

Humps

Can have one or two, depending on species.
Always has one.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 27, 2023

Geographic Range

Middle East, Africa, Central Asia.
Primarily Middle East and the Horn of Africa
Fiza Rafique
Sep 27, 2023

Domestication

Both dromedaries and Bactrian camels.
Widely domesticated.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 27, 2023

Species

Includes both dromedaries and Bactrians.
Is a species under the camel genus.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 27, 2023

Definitions

Camel

A domesticated creature used for transport and sustenance in desert regions.
The trader loaded goods onto the camel for the long journey ahead.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 27, 2023

Dromedary

The most common camel species found in Africa and the Middle East.
If you visit the Sahara, you'll likely spot a dromedary.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 27, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT

Camel

An animal adapted for arid conditions with hump-stored fat.
The camel can survive for days without water due to its unique adaptations.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 27, 2023

Dromedary

A one-humped species of camel.
The dromedary is often used as a pack animal in the Middle East.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 27, 2023

Camel

A symbol of endurance and adaptation in challenging climates.
Just like the camel, he endured the hardships with perseverance.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 27, 2023

Dromedary

Camelus dromedarius, native to arid regions of the Middle East and Africa.
The dromedary is especially suited to life in hot, dry climates.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 27, 2023

Camel

A member of the Camelus genus with species having one or two humps.
The camel has been vital to desert communities for centuries.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 27, 2023

Dromedary

A domesticated mammal primarily used in desert transportation.
With the dromedary's help, goods were transported across the vast desert.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 27, 2023

Camel

A camel is an even-toed ungulate in the genus Camelus that bears distinctive fatty deposits known as "humps" on its back. Camels have long been domesticated and, as livestock, they provide food (milk and meat) and textiles (fiber and felt from hair).
Fiza Rafique
Jul 23, 2022

Dromedary

A creature equipped for long durations without water.
The dromedary can outlast many animals in water-scarce environments.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 27, 2023

Camel

Either of two chiefly domesticated ruminant mammals of the genus Camelus, the Bactrian camel or the dromedary, having a humped back and long neck, and used in northern Africa, the Middle East, and Asia as a beast of burden and a source of wool, milk, and meat.
Fiza Rafique
Jul 23, 2022

Dromedary

The dromedary (Camelus dromedarius) ( or ), also known as Arabian camel, is a large even-toed ungulate, of the genus Camelus, with one hump on its back. It is the tallest of the three species of camel; adult males stand 1.8–2 m (5 ft 11 in – 6 ft 7 in) at the shoulder, while females are 1.7–1.9 m (5 ft 7 in – 6 ft 3 in) tall.
Fiza Rafique
Jul 23, 2022

Camel

A device used to raise sunken objects, consisting of a hollow structure that is submerged, attached tightly to the object, and pumped free of water. Also called caisson.
Fiza Rafique
Jul 23, 2022

Dromedary

A one-humped domesticated camel (Camelus dromedarius), widely used as a beast of burden in desert regions from northern Africa to western Asia. Also called Arabian camel.
Fiza Rafique
Jul 23, 2022

Camel

(Sports) A spin in figure skating that is performed in an arabesque or modified arabesque position.
Fiza Rafique
Jul 23, 2022

Dromedary

The single-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius).
Fiza Rafique
Jul 23, 2022

Camel

A tan or yellowish brown.
Fiza Rafique
Jul 23, 2022

Dromedary

Any swift riding camel.
Fiza Rafique
Jul 23, 2022

Camel

A beast of burden, much used in desert areas, of the genus Camelus.
Fiza Rafique
Jul 23, 2022

Dromedary

The Arabian camel (Camelus dromedarius), having one hump or protuberance on the back, in distinction from the Bactrian camel, which has two humps.
Fiza Rafique
Jul 23, 2022

Camel

A light brownish color, like that of a camel (also called camel brown).
Fiza Rafique
Jul 23, 2022

Dromedary

One-humped camel of the hot deserts of northern Africa and southwestern Asia
Fiza Rafique
Jul 23, 2022

Camel

Loaded vessels lashed tightly, one on each side of another vessel, and then emptied to reduce the draught of the ship in the middle.
Fiza Rafique
Jul 23, 2022

Camel

Senseid|en|giraffe}} {{synonym of giraffe
Fiza Rafique
Jul 23, 2022

Camel

Of a light brown color like that of a camel.
Fiza Rafique
Jul 23, 2022

Camel

A large ruminant used in Asia and Africa for carrying burdens and for riding. The camel is remarkable for its ability to go a long time without drinking. Its hoofs are small, and situated at the extremities of the toes, and the weight of the animal rests on the callous. The dromedary (Camelus dromedarius) has one bunch on the back, while the Bactrian camel (Camelus Bactrianus) has two. The llama, alpaca, and vicuña, of South America, belong to a related genus (Auchenia).
Fiza Rafique
Jul 23, 2022

Camel

A water-tight structure (as a large box or boxes) used to assist a vessel in passing over a shoal or bar or in navigating shallow water. By admitting water, the camel or camels may be sunk and attached beneath or at the sides of a vessel, and when the water is pumped out the vessel is lifted.
Fiza Rafique
Jul 23, 2022

Camel

Cud-chewing mammal used as a draft or saddle animal in desert regions
Fiza Rafique
Jul 23, 2022

Camel

A large desert mammal known for its hump(s).
The camel trekked effortlessly across the sandy dunes.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 27, 2023

FAQs

What's a camel's primary function?

Camels are often used for transportation, carrying goods, and providing milk and meat in desert regions.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 27, 2023

Are all camels dromedaries?

No, while all dromedaries are camels, not all camels are dromedaries.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 27, 2023

What do camels store in their humps?

Camels store fat in their humps, which can be converted into energy and water.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 27, 2023

Which camel species has two humps?

The Bactrian camel has two humps, while the dromedary has one.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 27, 2023

Can a dromedary crossbreed with a Bactrian camel?

Yes, their hybrid offspring will have characteristics of both species.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 27, 2023

Are dromedaries native to North America?

No, dromedaries are primarily native to the Middle East and the Horn of Africa.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 27, 2023

Are dromedaries and Bactrian camels closely related?

Yes, both are species of the Camelus genus and share common ancestors.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 27, 2023

How many humps does a dromedary have?

A dromedary always has one hump.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 27, 2023

How long can a camel go without water?

Depending on the conditions, camels can survive without water for up to two weeks.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 27, 2023

How are camels adapted to desert life?

Camels have humps for fat storage, long legs to walk on sand, and specialized kidneys to retain water.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 27, 2023

Is the dromedary the only one-humped camel?

Yes, the dromedary is distinctively the one-humped camel species.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 27, 2023

What do camels typically eat?

Camels are herbivores and typically graze on shrubs, grass, and other desert vegetation.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 27, 2023

Do dromedaries have a specific habitat?

Dromedaries are well-suited to arid, desert environments but can also be found in various domesticated settings.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 27, 2023

Which is larger, the dromedary or the Bactrian camel?

Bactrian camels are generally bulkier and can be larger than dromedaries.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 27, 2023

Are there wild dromedaries?

While most dromedaries are domesticated, a small number of wild dromedaries exist in some parts of the world.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 27, 2023

Author Spotlight

Written by
Fiza Rafique
Fiza Rafique is a skilled content editor at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.

Popular Comparisons

Featured Comparisons

Trending Comparisons

New Phrases