Question

An advantage of excreting nitrogeneous wastes in the form of uric acid is that

• A. Uric acid can be excreted in almost solid form.
• B. The formation of uric acid requires a great deal of energy.
• C. Uric acid is the first metabolic breakdown products of acids.
• D. Uric acid may be excreted through the lungs.

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

Uric acid can be excreted in almost solid form.

Uric acid is very less soluble in water and thus requires very little water to be excreted. Hence, terrestrial animals like birds and reptiles excrete metabolic waste as uric acid to conserve water.

Birds get another advantage they do not need bladder. Had they been excreting urea through urine. They would be needing a urinary bladder which would make them heavier and difficult to fly.