Birds secrete uric acid as their nitrogenous waste because uric acid ________.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Birds have evolved to produce uric acid because it is much less toxic than other nitrogenous wastes, such as ammonia or urea. Uric acid also requires very little water for disposal, which is important for birds that need to conserve water to reduce body mass for flight. However, uric acid is metabolically more expensive to produce than ammonia or urea, so B is not a correct choice. Also, uric acid cannot be reused as a protein source, so D is not correct. Finally, uric acid is not readily soluble in water, which is why it can be excreted in a solid form.

Birds Secrete Uric Acid as Their Nitrogenous Waste Because Uric