There are two types of Old World camels. One type has a single hump on its back; the other has two. The hump is a place for storing fat, which is used as a source of energy.

The Bactrian camel has two humps on its back. Most Bactrian camels live in the mountain deserts of Asia. Nomadic people depend on domesticated Bactrians for wool, meat, and milk. They are also used for carrying loads and for riding. Wild Bactrian camels are still found in remote areas, but their numbers are dwindling.

The Dromedary camel has one hump. The Dromedary is important to nomadic tribes in the deserts of northern Africa, the Middle East, and India.