Terrestrial animals are generally either ureotelic or uricotelic, not ammonotelic, why?

Question:

Terrestrial animals are generally either ureotelic or uricotelic, not ammonotelic, why ?

Answer:

Terrestrial animals conserve water, so they cannot excrete toxic ammonia directly like aquatic animals. Instead, they convert it into urea or uric acid, which requires less water for removal.

Explanation

  • Urea (in mammals) is less toxic and water-soluble.
  • Uric acid (in birds/reptiles) is almost solid and conserves maximum water.
  • This adaptation helps survival on land where water is limited.