Final answer:
The camel revolutionized trans-Saharan trade by enabling the transportation of goods across the harsh desert environment, leading to the flourish of trade routes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The animal that transformed trade across the Sahara was the camel. This incredible animal made it feasible to navigate across the vast desert, opening new trade routes and making the exchange of commodities like gold, salt, and textiles possible over long distances.
Not only did the camel carry significant weight over the harsh and unforgiving terrain, but its ability to go days without water due to its fat and water storage and specialized feet made it uniquely suited to desert life. The trans-Saharan trade flourished through the use of camel caravans, drastically altering the economies and cultures of North and West Africa.