Final answer:
A camel's hump stores fat, not water, serving as a physiological adaptation for energy storage, allowing it to survive in arid conditions by tapping into these reserves when food is scarce.
Step-by-step explanation:
A camel's hump is an example of a physiological adaptation. Contrary to the common belief, camels do not store water in their humps. Instead, they use it as an energy source to survive when food is unavailable. Camels store fat within their hump and can survive for months without food and water by utilizing these fat reserves. This adaptation is critical for their survival in the harsh desert environment where resources are scarce.
Similar to camels, other desert animals have also evolved unique adaptations. For example, the Gila monster's fat tail is an adaptation to its dry climate, serving as a storage depot for water, while the kangaroo rat has very efficient kidneys to minimize water loss.