Birds Secrete Uric Acid as Their Nitrogenous Waste Because Uric

Question

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.
E)costs less to produce than other excretory products

Accepted Answer

Uric acid requires very little water for its excretion, thus reducing body mass. This is important for birds because they have to be as lightweight as possible for flight, and the ability to conserve water is especially advantageous for birds living in desert environments. While uric acid is more expensive to synthesize metabolically, it still provides a significant benefit for birds that outweighs the cost.