What is a characteristic of uric acid compared to other nitrogenous wastes?

Uric acid is a less toxic waste product compared to other nitrogenous wastes like ammonia and urea. Ammonia is highly toxic and requires a large amount of water for its excretion, making it suitable primarily for aquatic organisms. Urea, while less toxic than ammonia, still requires significant water for excretion and is more toxic than uric acid.

In contrast, uric acid is primarily excreted as a semi-solid paste, allowing organisms to conserve water by minimizing liquid waste. This feature is especially advantageous for terrestrial animals that need to maintain water balance. Since uric acid is less toxic and effectively conserves water, it is commonly produced by reptiles, birds, and insects, which thrive in environments where water conservation is crucial.