Question
Biology Question on excretory products and their elimination
Uricotelism is found in
A
mammals and birds
B
birds, reptiles and insects
C
fishes and freshwater protozoans
D
frogs and toads.
Answer
birds, reptiles and insects
Explanation
Solution
The phenomenon of excretion of uric acid is known as uricotelism and animals which excrete their nitrogenous wastes mainly in the form of uric acid are known as uricotelic animals. Uricotelic animals include most insects (e.g., cockroach), some land crustaceans (e.g., Oniscus commonly known as "wood louse"), land snails, land reptiles (e.g., lizards and snakes) and birds. Primates including man also excrete some uric acid which is formed in their body by the breakdown of nucleic acids.