What is the primary structural composition of the Zebu's distinctive hump located over the shoulders?
Answer
Fatty and connective tissue
The most visible and defining physical signature of the Zebu is the hump situated prominently above the shoulders. Structurally, this hump is not composed of muscle or bone but is primarily a reserve structure made up of fatty and connective tissue. This fatty reserve is metabolically significant, providing the animal with a crucial store of nutrients that can be mobilized when resources are scarce. Additionally, the structure plays a role in thermoregulation, assisting with heat dissipation—a necessary function for survival in the hot regions where Zebus naturally thrive. This metabolic flexibility, supported by the hump's composition, underscores its importance beyond mere anatomical distinction.
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