The camel is called "the ship of the desert" because it is well suited to carrying loads in desert lands. Four features of the camel make it well adapted to desert life. It has padded feet that help it walk through burning desert sands. it has an extra stomach for storing water, so that it can go for long periods without a drink. Its eyes and nose are designed to keep out blowing sand. It stores fat in its hump. On long trips, it draws nourishment from this fat.