Birds secrete uric acid as their nitrogenous waste because uric acid
A) is readily soluble in water.
B) is metabolically less expensive to synthesize than other excretory products.
C) requires little water for nitrogenous waste disposal, thus reducing body mass.
D) excretion allows birds to live in desert environments.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Birds secrete uric acid as their nitrogenous waste as it requires little water for nitrogenous waste disposal, thus reducing their body mass. This is essential for birds as they have to maintain a low body mass to be able to fly. Uric acid is less toxic than other nitrogenous wastes like ammonia and urea produced by mammals and some reptiles. Uric acid also forms a concentrated paste that can be excreted with minimum water loss, making it an ideal waste product for birds living in arid environments.

Birds Secrete Uric Acid as Their Nitrogenous Waste Because Uric