Question

Animal species living in chronic shortage of water generally excrete uric acid as the principal nitrogenous waste product because

• A. Uric acid can be stored in the body for long periods
• B. Uric acid is highly soluble in water and can be easily eliminate
• C. The kidneys are unable to convert uric acid into urea
• D. Enzymes for the formation of urea are absent

Answer 1

The correct option is A Uric acid can be stored in the body for long periods

Elimination of uric acid as the main nitrogenous waste material is called uricotelism. Animals showing uricotelism are called uricotelic animals. It is a common method seen in birds, land reptiles, insects, land snails and some land crustaceans. Uric acid is formed from ammonia mostly in the liver and to some extent in the kidneys. The process is highly energy dependent, but is much less toxic than both ammonia and urea and it is almost insoluble in water and can be eliminated from the body in nearly a solid state, saving a lot of water.

So, the correct answer is 'Uric acid can be stored in the body for long periods'