Difference Between Egestion And Excretion - Testbook.com

Distinguishing Egestion And Excretion

Another aspect that differentiates Egestion and Excretion is the organisms that perform these processes. For example, Egestion is not possible in plants as they lack a digestive system. However, they can excrete metabolic wastes like oxygen post the process of photosynthesis . Animals, on the other hand, can carry out both Egestion and Excretion. The additional differences between egestion and excretion are outlined below:

Distinguishing Egestion And Excretion
Egestion	Excretion
The process involves the expulsion of undigested waste products from the organism's body.	The process involves the removal of waste materials from an organism's cells.
The materials discharged are undigested food and other toxic substances left over from digestion.	The materials discharged are Metabolic wastes like carbon dioxide or oxygen.
Egestion primarily takes place through the anus or mouth. (Some animals, like starfish, use their mouth for both feeding and waste discharge).	Excretion occurs via the nose, skin, and urethra.
Only animals are capable of egestion.	Excretion is a process that both plants and animals can perform.

Conclusion

The key difference between Excretion and Egestion is the nature of waste expelled from an organism. In the process of egestion, which is exclusive to animals, the undigested food remnants post-digestion are expelled. Excretion, on the other hand, is a process that both plants and animals can perform, where metabolic wastes are expelled.

Related Links:

The Excretory System – Urinary System – Excretion

Various Modes of Excretion