Uricotelic Animals

Uricotelic animals are those that excrete nitrogenous waste primarily in the form of uric acid. This is in contrast to ammonotelic animals, which excrete nitrogenous waste primarily as ammonia, and ureotelic animals, which excrete it primarily as urea. Uric acid is a relatively non-toxic and water-insoluble compound, making it an efficient waste product for animals that live in arid or semi-arid environments, where water conservation is crucial.

Options

a) Reptiles, birds, land snails, insects
b) Reptiles, birds, land snails
c) Aquatic amphibians, birds, land snails, insects
d) Amphibians, reptiles, birds, insects

Explanation

The correct answer is option 'A': Reptiles, birds, land snails, insects.

Reptiles: Reptiles, such as snakes, lizards, and turtles, are known to be uricotelic. This is because they have a specialized organ called the cloaca, which allows for the excretion of uric acid as a paste-like substance.

Birds: Birds are also uricotelic. Like reptiles, they have a cloaca that allows for the excretion of uric acid. The primary reason for birds being uricotelic is their ability to conserve water. Uric acid is insoluble in water, so it can be excreted as a semi-solid paste, reducing water loss.

Land Snails: Land snails are known to excrete uric acid as their primary nitrogenous waste product. This is because they live in terrestrial habitats, where water availability can be limited. Uric acid allows them to conserve water while efficiently eliminating waste.

Insects: Insects, such as beetles, ants, and butterflies, are also uricotelic. They excrete uric acid as their main nitrogenous waste product. Similar to reptiles and birds, this adaptation helps them conserve water in their terrestrial habitats.

Therefore, the correct answer is option 'A' as all the mentioned groups of animals (reptiles, birds, land snails, and insects) are uricotelic.