Problem 6
Question
Birds and insects excrete uric acid, whereas mammals and most amphibians excrete mainly urea. What is the chief advantage of uric acid over urea as a waste product? a. Uric acid is a much simpler molecule. b. It takes less energy to make uric acid. c. Less water is required to excrete uric acid. d. More solutes are removed excreting uric acid.
Step-by-Step Solution
Verified Answer
Less water is required to excrete uric acid.
1Step 1: Identify the Properties of Uric Acid and Urea
Uric acid and urea are both waste products excreted by different organisms. Uric acid is excreted by birds and insects, while mammals and most amphibians excrete urea.
2Step 2: Understand the Water Conservation Aspect
Birds and insects often live in environments where water conservation is crucial. Uric acid has low solubility in water and is excreted as a paste or solid which conserves water.
3Step 3: Comparison of Water Requirements
Excreting urea requires more water, as it is highly soluble in water. Mammals and amphibians, which excrete urea, often have ready access to ample water resources.
4Step 4: Evaluate the Given Options
Option (c) is correct: Less water is required to excrete uric acid. This is because uric acid's low solubility in water allows it to be excreted with minimal water loss, which is a significant advantage in water-scarce environments.
Key Concepts
uric acid vs ureawater conservationwaste products in animals
uric acid vs urea
Different animals utilize distinct nitrogenous waste products to eliminate excess nitrogen from their bodies. Birds and insects primarily excrete uric acid, while mammals and most amphibians excrete urea.
Uric acid has low solubility in water, so it can be excreted as a paste or solid form. This characteristic is crucial for animals living in environments where water is scarce.
On the other hand, urea is highly soluble in water, making it easier to be excreted in a more dilute liquid form, which is suitable for animals with plenty of access to water.
Understanding these differences can help us see why different animals have evolved to use different waste products.
Uric acid has low solubility in water, so it can be excreted as a paste or solid form. This characteristic is crucial for animals living in environments where water is scarce.
On the other hand, urea is highly soluble in water, making it easier to be excreted in a more dilute liquid form, which is suitable for animals with plenty of access to water.
Understanding these differences can help us see why different animals have evolved to use different waste products.
water conservation
Water conservation is a critical aspect in the survival of many animals, particularly those living in arid environments.
Since uric acid is excreted as a solid or paste, it requires minimal water, making it highly advantageous in dry habitats.
Birds and insects, for example, are often found in regions where water is not always readily available. Thus, they have adapted by excreting uric acid, which allows them to conserve precious water resources.
In contrast, animals that have ample water supplies, such as many mammals and amphibians, excrete urea. This process uses more water but is not a concern for them due to their abundant water access.
Since uric acid is excreted as a solid or paste, it requires minimal water, making it highly advantageous in dry habitats.
Birds and insects, for example, are often found in regions where water is not always readily available. Thus, they have adapted by excreting uric acid, which allows them to conserve precious water resources.
In contrast, animals that have ample water supplies, such as many mammals and amphibians, excrete urea. This process uses more water but is not a concern for them due to their abundant water access.
waste products in animals
Animals produce different waste products based on their environment and evolutionary adaptations.
Nitrogenous waste like uric acid and urea are two primary forms that help in removing excess nitrogen from the body. Birds and insects excrete uric acid, which is beneficial for water conservation due to its low solubility.
Mammals and most amphibians, however, excrete urea, which though requires more water, is efficient for animals with a steady water supply.
These adaptations in waste product excretion are essential for the survival and health of animals in their respective habitats.
Nitrogenous waste like uric acid and urea are two primary forms that help in removing excess nitrogen from the body. Birds and insects excrete uric acid, which is beneficial for water conservation due to its low solubility.
Mammals and most amphibians, however, excrete urea, which though requires more water, is efficient for animals with a steady water supply.
These adaptations in waste product excretion are essential for the survival and health of animals in their respective habitats.
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