SOCIAL SCIENCE 2015:Trade Across The Sahara Desert

Question 1

Why were dromedary camels chosen as a means of a transportation?

Answer 1

They are suited to the desert because their bodies have adapted to the hot , dry and sandy conditions of the desert

Question 2

Why are dromedary camels suitable for desert transport?

Answer 2

• they have a double row of eyelashes and can close their nostrils,which helps to stop sand from getting into their eyes and noses
• they can conserve water by changing during the day,which helps them to stay cool and to save water by not sweating
• they have humps that store fat , which they change into water and energy when food and water are not available
• they can drink big amounts of water very quickly
• they have thick coats that protect them from the heat radiated from desert sand
• they have long legs to keep their bodies away from the hot desert sand
• thy have pads under their feet that widens when they step on the ground. This prevents them from sinking into the ground
• they have thick lips that helps them to eat coarse and thorny plants

Question 3

Where did the Berbers live and what did they bring, where and when?

Answer 3

The Berbers, a tribe who lived in North Africa, brought the dromedary camels to North Africa from the dry desert areas of west Asia in the 3rd century