Ammonia is Likely to Be the Primary Nitrogenous Waste in Living

Question

Ammonia is likely to be the primary nitrogenous waste in living conditions that include
A)lots of fresh water flowing across the gills of a fish.
B)lots of sea water, such as a bird living in a marine environment.
C)lots of sea water, such as a marine mammal (e.g., a polar bear).
D)a terrestrial environment, such as that supporting crickets.
E)a moist system of burrows, such as those of naked mole rats.

Accepted Answer

Ammonia is highly toxic and water soluble, but it is easily eliminated through gills in aquatic animals. Therefore, in conditions where there is a lot of fresh water flowing across the gills of a fish, ammonia is likely to be the primary nitrogenous waste. In options B, C, D, and E, there is not a constant flow of fresh water to eliminate the toxic ammonia, making it less likely that ammonia will be the primary nitrogenous waste in those living conditions.