Question

Uric acid excretion is an adaptation for

• A. Water conservation
• B. Water removal
• C. Osmoregulation
• D. None of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is A Water conservation

Uricotelic organisms are those, which eliminate their nitrogenous metabolic wastes mainly as uric acid. Uric acid is the least toxic nitrogenous waste product and requires very less water for its elimination. Therefore, uric acid is formed only in those animals which have limited supply of water. In the cloaca of reptiles and birds, uric acid accumulates and is further concentrated there. It passes out of the body as whitish semi-solid substance.