Physiology
Excretion
The biological process of eliminating metabolic waste products from the body, including nitrogenous wastes (urea, uric acid), carbon dioxide, and excess water and salts.
Biological Context
Different organisms excrete different nitrogen waste forms based on water availability. Aquatic animals excrete ammonia (toxic but dilutes easily). Mammals convert it to urea. Birds and reptiles produce uric acid (water-conserving). Excretion is essential—waste accumulation is toxic.
Business Application
Organizations must excrete too—eliminate outdated products, exit failing markets, remove poor performers, shed bureaucratic waste. Failure to excrete leads to toxicity: bloat, inefficiency, accumulated bad decisions. Regular organizational excretion maintains health.