Although the basic evolutionary patterns of nitrogen metabolism and excretion have been outlined for decades, there has been a resurgence of research activity in the past 15 years. Research in nitrogen metabolism has been stimulated in the area of acid-base balance. The molecular revolution has had an impact on the field as well, and recent studies on nitrogen metabolism and excretion now almost routinely use the tools of molecular biology. Of special interest are recent studies of evolutionary relationships between proteins of nitrogen metabolism. Nitrogen Metabolism and Excretion updates the reader on progress being made in this subject, offering an exciting integration of traditional topics and discussions on the most recent issues which have not yet appeared in other textbooks or references. The book features chapters on the latest developments in nitrogen metabolism and excretion from 28 prominent researchers from all over the world. Each chapter is detailed and specific, filled with useful concepts and techniques. The scope of the book is broad and diverse, covering groups from invertebrates to mammals, and subjects from nitrogen in oceanic buoyancy regulation to molecular mechanisms of nitric oxide synthesis. The text provides a phylogenetic view of various animal groups and presents much new information intended to break down phylogenetic stereotypes. The general areas of development, maternal-fetal interactions, protein turnover, carbamoyl phosphate synthesis, nitric oxide, and nitrates and nitrites are also covered in depth. This volume is the first in a new series that brings about a modern synthesis of areas of animal physiology. Nitrogen Metabolism and Excretion benefits both established researchers interested in nitrogen and advanced undergraduate and graduate students who want to investigate the most current and exciting questions being studied and debated.