Camels are remarkable creatures built to survive the harshest desert environments. One of their unique adaptations is having three eyelids. These extra eyelids help protect their eyes from the intense sandstorms and scorching sunlight of the desert.
How It Works
Two of the eyelids are similar to those of humans, blinking to keep the eyes moist and clean. The third eyelid, however, is a thin, translucent membrane that acts like a built-in windshield wiper. It sweeps across the eye horizontally, clearing out sand while allowing camels to maintain their vision, even in the middle of a storm!
Fun Fact
Many animals such as alligators and hawks also have a third eyelid, also known as the nictitating membrane, but camels use theirs to withstand some of the harshest conditions on Earth.
Want to Learn More?
Explore how other animals have evolved to thrive in extreme environments in our Animal Adaptations category.
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