Define Ammonotelic, Ureotelic and Uricotelic Animals

Q. Define ammonotelic, ureotelic and uricotelic animals? Give an example of each

Answer: Ammonotelic excretion is the process of excreting nitrogenous waste in the form of ammonia. Ammonotelism is the name given to this phenomenon. Urea acid is excreted as waste by birds, amphibians, reptiles, most aquatic animals, including fish, some terrestrial invertebrates, larvae and mammals including humans.

The following are the definitions for ammonotelic, ureotelic and uricotelic animals. Ammonotelic animals – Ammonotelic animals are those that excrete ammonia in their waste. The nitrogenous waste of an ammonotelic organism is excreted as soluble ammonia. The ammonia produced as a byproduct or waste is extremely toxic. Because it is highly soluble, it necessitates a large amount of water for excretion.

Ammonia is a highly poisonous, water-soluble gas produced by rapid water diffusion. Cnidarians, echinoderms, fishes, protozoans, amphibian larvae/tadpoles, crustaceans, poriferans and other marine animals are examples of ammonotelic animals.

Species that excrete waste in the form of waste are referred to as ureotelic animals. Urea is less toxic and uses less water than ammonia. Few bony fishes, adult amphibians, fish, cartilaginous fish and mammals, including humans are examples of organisms.

Uricotelic organisms – Uricotelic organisms are species that excrete uric acid waste. In comparison to Ammonia and Urea, Uric acid is the least poisonous and the least water-soluble. Excess nitrogen is excreted as urea by ureotelic organisms. In comparison to ammonia, urea is less toxic and requires less water. For instance, marine organisms such as Porifera, fish and protozoa. Uricotelic organisms are organisms that excrete uric acid waste. 

Uricotelic organisms’ excreta are typically white paste with insoluble solids or semi-solids. It only requires a few things. Only a small amount of water is required to flush out the uric acid. Uric acid or its salts are excreted by the uricotelic organism. Uric acid, in contrast to ammonia and urea, is the least toxic and has the least water solubility. Birds, snakes and lizards are some examples.