Freshwater fish dilute ammonia and excrete it in a watery urine. Both freshwater and saltwater fish get rid of ammonia through diffusion across the gills. Humans convert ammonia to urea and excrete it in the urine. Birds convert ammonia to uric acid and excrete it. Why is it important for birds to get rid of ammonia?

Question

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Ammonia is toxic and can damage cells and tissues, so it is important for organisms to get rid of it. Birds convert ammonia to uric acid, which is less toxic and less water-soluble than urea or ammonia, allowing birds to excrete waste without losing too much water.

Freshwater Fish Dilute Ammonia and Excrete It in a Watery