Examkin

Question

Difficulty: MediumExcretion and Excretory Organs

Organisms living in arid terrestrial environments often conserve water by excreting nitrogenous waste in the form of insoluble uric acid. Which of the following correctly pairs the specialized excretory organ with an organism that utilizes this adaptation?

  1. Malpighian tubules in the desert locustAnswer
  2. B
    Nephridia in the planarian
  3. C
    Flame cells in the earthworm
  4. D
    Green glands in the cockroach

Answer

Malpighian tubules in the desert locust
The correct option identifies the desert locust, a terrestrial insect that utilizes Malpighian tubules to excrete insoluble uric acid. This structural and physiological combination allows maximum water reabsorption prior to defecation, serving as a critical adaptation for survival in dry terrestrial habitats.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the nitrogenous waste adaptation described in the stem.
Uric acid excretion (uricotelism) is an adaptation for extreme water conservation in terrestrial habitats.
Uric acid is insoluble and non-toxic, requiring minimal water for excretion.
2
Evaluate the organisms listed to determine which group is uricotelic and uses the correct excretory organ.
Insects are uricotelic organisms that possess Malpighian tubules.
Malpighian tubules lie in the hemolymph and discharge nitrogenous waste into the digestive tract for water reabsorption.
3
Cross-reference each organism with its anatomical excretory organ.
The desert locust (an insect) uses Malpighian tubules.
Other pairings misassign flatworm flame cells to earthworms, annelid nephridia to planarians, and crustacean green glands to insects.

Key Concept

Excretory structures and physiological adaptations to nitrogenous waste disposal in invertebrates
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Rate this question

Topics

Excretion and Excretory Organs

More questions from this topic