Animal Excretory Systems

Study Notes

Animal Excretory Systems

Animal excretion is the process of eliminating metabolic wastes
Nitrogenous waste products, such as ammonia, urea, and uric acid, are eliminated
Different excretory organs exist for different animals
The type of nitrogenous waste produced depends on the species and its environment
The organism needs to conserve water while removing wastes
Ammonia is toxic, needs a lot of water for excretion, and is common in aquatic animals
Urea is less toxic than ammonia and requires less water for excretion, common in mammals and adult amphibians
Uric acid is the least toxic, requires minimal water for excretion, and is common in birds and reptiles
Aquatic animals usually excrete ammonia, terrestrial animals typically excrete urea or uric acid

Nitrogenous Waste Products

Amino acids form ammonia
Excess nitrogen removed from amino acids
Ammonia is toxic and needs lots of water for removal
Ammonia is the most toxic of all the nitrogenous wastes
Urea is much less toxic than ammonia, and less water is needed for excretion, common in mammals
Uric acid is the least toxic and requires the minimal amount of water, found in birds and reptiles

Comparing Excretory Systems

Aquatic animals tend to excrete ammonia
Terrestrial animals tend to excrete urea or uric acid
The amount of water required for excretion varies depending on the type of waste and the environment of the animal

Description

Explore the fascinating world of animal excretory systems through this quiz. Understand how various types of organisms eliminate metabolic wastes such as ammonia, urea, and uric acid. Learn about the organs involved and the methods different species use to conserve water while excreting these wastes.