Difference between revisions of "AY Honors/Life cycle of a frog"

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(Nasikabatrachus sahyadrensis)
 
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[[da:Frø]] [[nl:Kikker]]
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[[da:Frø]] [[ja:カエル]] [[nl:Kikker]]
<div style="float:right;margin:0 0 1em 1em;text-align:center;">[[image:Americanfrog_reduced.jpg|unidentified frog]]<br><small>''A  frog. (Click here to [[media:Americanfrog.jpg|enlarge image]])''</small></div>
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''See [[Frog (disambiguation)]] for other meaning of the word "Frog"''
A '''frog''' is a type of fresh-water amphibian of the Order [[Anura]] in the Class [[Amphibia]].  A frog is a vertebrate amphibian closely related to [[toad]]s, also in the Order Anura. Most of the 4800 species of frogs spend their lives in or near a source of water (''water frogs''), although ''tree frogs'' live in moist environments that are not actually aquatic environments.  The requirement for water becomes most acute for egg and tadpole stages of the frog, yet here again some species are able to utilize temporary pools and water collected in the axils of [[plants]].   
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<table border="1" cellspacing="0" align="right" cellpading="2">
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<tr><th align="center" bgcolor=pink>'''Frogs'''</th></tr>
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<tr><td>[[image:Americanfrog_reduced.jpg|unidentified frog]]<br><small>''A  frog. (Click here to [[media:Americanfrog.jpg|enlarge image]])''</small> </td></tr>
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<tr><th align="center" bgcolor=pink>'''[[Scientific classification]]'''</th></tr>
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<tr><td><table align="center">
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<tr><td>[[Domain (biology)|Domain]]:</td><td>[[Eukaryota]]</td></tr>
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<tr><td>[[Kingdom (biology)|Kingdom]]:</td><td>[[Animal|Animalia]]</td></tr>
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<tr><td>[[Phylum]]:</td><td>[[Chordata]]</td></tr>
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<tr><td>[[Class (biology)|Class]]:</td><td>[[Amphibia]]</td></tr>
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<tr><td>[[Order (biology)|Order]]:</td><td>[[Anura]]</td></tr>
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<tr><td>[[Order (biology)|Family]]:</td><td>'''Ranidae'''</td></tr>
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</table>
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</td></tr><tr>
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<th align="center" colspan="2" bgcolor=pink>'''[[Genera]]'''</th></tr>
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<tr><td align="center">Many: see text</td></tr>
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</table>
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A '''frog''' is a fresh-water [[amphibian]] of the [[family (biology)|family]] '''Ranidae''', in the [[order (biology)|Order]] [[Anura]].  They are closely related to [[toad]]s.  The Ranidae are sometimes called the "true frogs" since a few members of other families also have common names including the word "frog".
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==Types and characteristics of frogs==
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Frogs are a a diverse group, and there are 4800 [[species]].  Most spend their lives in or near a source of water (''water frogs''), although ''tree frogs'' live in moist environments that are not actually aquatic environments.  The requirement for water becomes most acute for egg and tadpole stages of the frog, yet here again some species are able to utilize temporary pools and water collected in the axils of [[plants]].   
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The most familiar frogs are the [[Bullfrog]], the [[Edible frog]], the [[Leopard Frog]]s, and the [[Green Frog]]s.
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Frogs range in size from less than 50mm to 300mm in ''Conraua goliath'', which is the largest known frog.  All frogs have horizontal [[pupil]]s.  Their skin is smooth and they have long legs with webbing between the toes. This family has a [[bicornuated tongue]] that is attached in front, they also have a [[tympanum]] on each side of their head, which is involved in sound productin.  Most frogs have deep, booming calls, or '''croaks''', with some being onomatopoeically represented by the word "'''ribbet'''".
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Many species of frog secrete [[toxin]]s from their skin when under threat. These toxins deter predatory animals from eating them, and some are extremely poisonous to humans. The natives of the [[Amazon_Rainforest|Amazon]] area extract [[curare]] from the poison arrow frog.
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==Distribution and Status==
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Members of this family are found worldwide, but they have a limited distribution in [[South America]], and [[Australia]]. They do not occur in the [[West Indies]] and on most oceanic islands.
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In many parts of the world the frog population has [[Decline in frog populations|declined]] drastically over the last few decades.  Pollutants are one cause for this decline but other culprits include climatic changes, parasitic infestation, introduction of non-indigenous predators/competitors, infectious diseases, and urban encroachment.
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==Life cycle==
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The life cycle of a frog involves several stages. A female frog lays her [[egg]]s in a shallow [[pond]] or creek, where they will be sheltered from the current and from predators. The eggs, known as ''frogspawn'' hatch into [[tadpole]]s, and this tadpole stage develops gradually into an adolescent [[froglet]], which resembles an adult instead of having the sperm-like appearance of a tadpole but still has a vestigial tail, and finally into an adult frog.  Typically, tadpoles are [[herbivore]]s, feeding mostly on [[alga]]e, whereas juvenile and adult frogs are rather voracious [[carnivore]]s.  Furthermore, The red-legged frogs normally reproduce from November to early April because during these months, the water is about six or seven degrees Celsius.  Under these cool conditions, it is ensure the embryonic survival.  [[Amplexus]] is the process when the male grasps the female while she lays her eggs.  At the same time, he fertilizes them with the fluid containing sperm.  The eggs are about 2.0 to 2.8 milliliters in diameter and are dark brown.  After about six to fourteen days, the eggs hatch between July and September into brown tadpoles that are about thre inches long.  The tadpoles start to lose their tails, grow legs, and change into a juvenile form of the adult frog with their characteristics that looks like frogs. 
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<div style="float:right;margin:0 1em 1em 0;text-align:center;">[[image:Green-leopard-frog-in-swamp.jpg|Leopard frog]]<br><small>''Green leopard frog''</small></div>
  
The life cycle of a frog involves several stages. A female frog lays her [[egg]]s in a shallow [[pond]] or creek, where they will be sheltered from the current and from predators. The eggs, known as ''frogspawn'' hatch into [[tadpole]]s, and this tadpole stage develops gradually into an adult frog. Typically, tadpoles are [[herbivore]]s, feeding mostly on [[alga]]e, whereas juvenile and adult frogs are rather voracious [[carnivore]]s.  
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==A new frog==
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In 2003, Franky Bossuyt of the ''[[Vrije Universiteit Brussel]]'' (Free University of Brussels) and S.D. Biji of the Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute in [[Palode]], [[India]] reported the discovery of a new [[species]] of frog so distinct in appearance and [[DNA]] that it merited its own new [[Scientific classification|family]], the first new family for frogs since [[1926]]. This new species, dubbed ''[[Nasikabatrachus sahyadrensis]]'', is dark purple in color, seven centimeters in length, and has a small head and a pointy snout. Genetically, its closest living relatives are the [[sooglossid]]s found in the [[Seychelles]]. The new species was discovered in the [[Sahyadri]] (Western Ghats) Mountains in India. [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/3200214.stm The BBC have a picture of one]
  
Many species of frog secrete [[toxin]]s from their skin when under threat. These toxins deter predatory animals from eating them, and some are extremely poisonous to humans. The natives of the [[Amazon_Rainforest|Amazon]] area extract [[curare]] from the poison arrow frog.
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==Miscellaneous==
  
<div style="float:left;margin:0 1em 1em 0;text-align:center;">[[image:Green-leopard-frog-in-swamp.jpg|Leopard frog]]<br><small>''Green leopard frog''</small></div>
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*One of the most famous frogs in the entertainment world is the [[Muppet]] character [[Kermit the Frog]] (not easy being green indeed).
In many parts of the world the frog population has declined drastically over the last few decades, and in other areas, large numbers of frogs are born deformed due to unknown causes. Although pollution may be cited as a cause, the phenomenon has been observed in pristine mountain lakes and remains a mystery.
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*The American TV network The WB ([[Warner Brothers]]) uses Michigan J. Frog, a frog in a tuxedo as their logo. Michigan J. Frog was the singing, dancing star of the 1955 Warner cartoon, "One Froggy Evening".
<p clear="left">
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*[[Budweiser]] uses animatronic frogs that speak the syllables of its name to advertise its beer.
In 2003, Franky Bossuyt of the [[Free University of Brussels]] (Vrije Universiteit Brussel) and S.D. Biji of the Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute in [[Palode]], [[India]] reported the discovery of a new [[species]] of frog so distinct in appearance and [[DNA]] that it merited its own new [[Scientific classification|family]], the first new family for frogs since [[1926]].  This new species, dubbed ''Nasikabatrachus sahyadrensis'', is dark purple in color, seven centimeters in length, and has a small head and a pointy snout. Genetically, it's closest living relatives are the [[sooglossid]]s found in the [[Seychelles]].  The new species was discovered in the [[Sahyadri]] (Western Ghats) Mountains in India.
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*To have "a '''frog in the [[throat]]'''" is to have a dry throat, or a minor throat irritation, less severe than a sore throat.
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*'''[[Frogger]]''' was an early electronic arcade game, with a frog trying to cross a busy road.
  
 
==External links==
 
==External links==
Line 16: Line 56:
 
* [http://evolution.genetics.washington.edu/waterfrogs.htmlWater Frog Info Pool]
 
* [http://evolution.genetics.washington.edu/waterfrogs.htmlWater Frog Info Pool]
 
* ''[http://raysweb.net/specialplaces/pages/frogsdecline.html Disappearance of toads, frogs has some scientists worried]'' ~ ''San Francisco Chronicle'', April 20, 1992
 
* ''[http://raysweb.net/specialplaces/pages/frogsdecline.html Disappearance of toads, frogs has some scientists worried]'' ~ ''San Francisco Chronicle'', April 20, 1992
* [http://www.frogsonice.com/froggy/ The Froggy Page] ~ Frog fun  
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* [http://www.frogsonice.com/froggy/ The Froggy Page] ~ Frog fun
 
 
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==Other Frogs==
 
*A '''frog''' in sewing is a sort of closure, often used in [[cloaks]], made from a specially knotted cord forming a [[button]] of sorts, and a loop on the other side of the closure, forming an effective [[button hole]].
 
*One of the most famous frogs in the entertainment world is the [[Muppet]] character [[Kermit the Frog]] (not easy being green indeed).
 
*In Australia the [[Freddo frog]] is a popular [[confectionery]] treat.
 
*The American TV network The WB ([[Warner Brothers]]) uses a frog in a tuxedo as their logo.
 

Revision as of 01:04, 2 January 2004

da:Frø ja:カエル nl:Kikker See Frog (disambiguation) for other meaning of the word "Frog"


Frogs
unidentified frog
A frog. (Click here to enlarge image)
Scientific classification
Domain:Eukaryota
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Amphibia
Order:Anura
Family:Ranidae
Genera
Many: see text

A frog is a fresh-water amphibian of the family Ranidae, in the Order Anura. They are closely related to toads. The Ranidae are sometimes called the "true frogs" since a few members of other families also have common names including the word "frog".

Types and characteristics of frogs

Frogs are a a diverse group, and there are 4800 species. Most spend their lives in or near a source of water (water frogs), although tree frogs live in moist environments that are not actually aquatic environments. The requirement for water becomes most acute for egg and tadpole stages of the frog, yet here again some species are able to utilize temporary pools and water collected in the axils of plants.

The most familiar frogs are the Bullfrog, the Edible frog, the Leopard Frogs, and the Green Frogs.

Frogs range in size from less than 50mm to 300mm in Conraua goliath, which is the largest known frog. All frogs have horizontal pupils. Their skin is smooth and they have long legs with webbing between the toes. This family has a bicornuated tongue that is attached in front, they also have a tympanum on each side of their head, which is involved in sound productin. Most frogs have deep, booming calls, or croaks, with some being onomatopoeically represented by the word "ribbet".

Many species of frog secrete toxins from their skin when under threat. These toxins deter predatory animals from eating them, and some are extremely poisonous to humans. The natives of the Amazon area extract curare from the poison arrow frog.

Distribution and Status

Members of this family are found worldwide, but they have a limited distribution in South America, and Australia. They do not occur in the West Indies and on most oceanic islands.

In many parts of the world the frog population has declined drastically over the last few decades. Pollutants are one cause for this decline but other culprits include climatic changes, parasitic infestation, introduction of non-indigenous predators/competitors, infectious diseases, and urban encroachment.

Life cycle

The life cycle of a frog involves several stages. A female frog lays her eggs in a shallow pond or creek, where they will be sheltered from the current and from predators. The eggs, known as frogspawn hatch into tadpoles, and this tadpole stage develops gradually into an adolescent froglet, which resembles an adult instead of having the sperm-like appearance of a tadpole but still has a vestigial tail, and finally into an adult frog. Typically, tadpoles are herbivores, feeding mostly on algae, whereas juvenile and adult frogs are rather voracious carnivores. Furthermore, The red-legged frogs normally reproduce from November to early April because during these months, the water is about six or seven degrees Celsius. Under these cool conditions, it is ensure the embryonic survival. Amplexus is the process when the male grasps the female while she lays her eggs. At the same time, he fertilizes them with the fluid containing sperm. The eggs are about 2.0 to 2.8 milliliters in diameter and are dark brown. After about six to fourteen days, the eggs hatch between July and September into brown tadpoles that are about thre inches long. The tadpoles start to lose their tails, grow legs, and change into a juvenile form of the adult frog with their characteristics that looks like frogs.

Leopard frog
Green leopard frog

A new frog

In 2003, Franky Bossuyt of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (Free University of Brussels) and S.D. Biji of the Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute in Palode, India reported the discovery of a new species of frog so distinct in appearance and DNA that it merited its own new family, the first new family for frogs since 1926. This new species, dubbed Nasikabatrachus sahyadrensis, is dark purple in color, seven centimeters in length, and has a small head and a pointy snout. Genetically, its closest living relatives are the sooglossids found in the Seychelles. The new species was discovered in the Sahyadri (Western Ghats) Mountains in India. The BBC have a picture of one

Miscellaneous

  • One of the most famous frogs in the entertainment world is the Muppet character Kermit the Frog (not easy being green indeed).
  • The American TV network The WB (Warner Brothers) uses Michigan J. Frog, a frog in a tuxedo as their logo. Michigan J. Frog was the singing, dancing star of the 1955 Warner cartoon, "One Froggy Evening".
  • Budweiser uses animatronic frogs that speak the syllables of its name to advertise its beer.
  • To have "a frog in the throat" is to have a dry throat, or a minor throat irritation, less severe than a sore throat.
  • Frogger was an early electronic arcade game, with a frog trying to cross a busy road.

External links