Chemistry
Nitrogen Excretion and Water Balance in Terrestrial Gastropods
Quick fact
Terrestrial gastropods convert ammonia, a toxic but water-soluble waste, into uric acid and urea. By excreting these less toxic compounds in a semisolid paste, they lose up to 90% less water compared to their aquatic relatives that release ammonia directly.
Why this is interesting
Snails and slugs are basically bags of water crawling across dry land—so how do they get rid of toxic waste without drying out?