Main excretory product of cockroach is:
The main excretory product of cockroach is uric acid.
Explanation:
Cockroaches are insects that belong to the class Insecta and the order Blattodea. They have a specialized excretory system that allows them to eliminate waste products from their bodies. The excretory system in cockroaches consists of Malpighian tubules, which are long, slender tubes located in the abdominal region.
Here are the reasons why uric acid is the main excretory product of cockroaches:
- Uric acid is a nitrogenous waste product that is formed from the breakdown of proteins and nucleic acids in the body.
- Unlike mammals, cockroaches do not have a well-developed kidney system to filter and eliminate waste products like urea or ammonia. Instead, they rely on the Malpighian tubules to remove waste from their bodies.
- The Malpighian tubules actively transport uric acid from the surrounding hemolymph (cockroach blood) into the tubules.
- Uric acid is insoluble in water and forms a paste-like substance, making it suitable for excretion in a terrestrial environment.
- By excreting uric acid, cockroaches can conserve water since uric acid requires less water for its excretion compared to other nitrogenous waste products like urea or ammonia.
In conclusion, the main excretory product of cockroaches is uric acid, which is excreted through their Malpighian tubules. This adaptation allows them to efficiently conserve water in their terrestrial habitat.