There are two different methods of excretion found in reptiles
Ureotelism:
Ureotelism:
- Urea is the main nitrogenous waste material
- Ammonia is detoxified to form urea by the orrithine cycle
- Urea is far less toxic than ammonia
- Can remain inside the body for a longer period
- Aquatic and semi aquatic reptiles
- Found in alligator
- Found in Terrapins and turtles
Uricotelism
(Tutor Vista)
- Elimination of uric acid as the main nitrogenous waste material
- The process is highly energy dependent
- Much less toxic than both ammonia and urea
- Is almost insoluble in water and can be eliminated from the body in nearly a solid state
- Saves a lot of water
- Reptiles pass a dilute solution of uric acid into the cloaca
- Water is then absorbed and solid uric acid is eliminated along with feces
- Land Animals
(Tutor Vista)