Green Darner

2022-05-09T18:47:57Z

Gakoebck:

2022-05-09T18:15:11Z

Gakoebck:

File:GreenDarnerDiagram.gif

2022-05-09T18:13:56Z

Gakoebck:

2022-04-20T18:14:32Z

Gakoebck:

The Wood Frog otherwise known as ''Lithobates sylvaticus'' is a terrestrial frog found throughout North America [5]. In Greek '' Litho'' translates to "a stone", ''bates'' translates to "one that walks", and ''sylvaticus'' meaning "amidst the trees" [6]. They belong to the Order ''Anura'' and the Family ''Ranidae'' [2]. This species of frog is common and is not currently under any threat of extinction [5].

== Description ==

[[File:wood-frog.jpg|260px|thumb|left|This is a photo of an adult Wood frog.]]

The Wood frog is a comparatively small frog. Fully grown adults are 1.5 to 3.25 inches in length [5]. Females are typically larger and more brightly colored than their male counterparts [5]. They can differ in color, but bodies typically range from a light tan to a dark brown [4]. Their most distinct feature is the coloration around their eyes. The Wood frog has two black markings that extend back from their eyes, resembling a mask [6]. The underbelly is white and sometimes has small grey marks [4]. This frog has two distinct ridges that run down their back. These ridges are known as Dorsolateral folds [6].

[[File:WFTAnatomyBW.jpg|260px|thumb|left|Anatomical diagram of an adult Wood frog.]]

== Range and Habitat ==

[[File:woodfrogmap.gif|200px|thumb|left|This map shows the geographical range for ''Lithobates sylvaticus''.]]

Wood frogs have a very large range. They are found in Canada and North America [5]. Their range goes as far south as the Appalachian mountains and as far north as Alaska [6]. They can also be found in smaller populations in Alabama and Idaho [5]. The Wood frog is the only frog that lives in the Artic Circle, this is due to their ability to freeze [5].

Wood frogs typically like both deciduous and coniferous forests [6]. They gravitate towards forests with a closed canopy to keep out sunlight and keep in moisture [2]. This species likes lots of leaf litter and wood debris on the forest floor for shelter [4]. Especially in the winter, Wood frogs can go upland and seek refuge in the leaf litter while they hibernate [3]. When they are not breeding, they can be found in an moist forested areas, ravines, bogs or forested swamps. When spring comes they migrate into forested wetlands or other protected bodies of water to breed [2].

During mating season, these frogs find temporary pools of water of [[Vernal Pools|vernal pools]] [6]. These can be any cut off water sources like streams or ponds, and can even be in ditches. These are preferably free of fish to increase survivability of the offspring [6]. Wood frogs are diurnal and are rarely seen at night but often heard in loud choruses during mating season [5].

== Cold Tolerance ==

Wood frogs are one of the only species of frog to live in the Artic Circle, this is due to their ability to freeze [4]. These frogs "freeze over" in the winter, this serves as hibernation [5]. The freezing process works by releasing large amounts of glucose into their bloodstream, this keeps their body cells from freezing, but not their other bodily fluids [4]. The distribution of liver glycogen enhances the survival of cells, tissues, and organs. This was seen by experimentally adding additional glucose to the Wood frog which increased its tolerance to freezing [1]. This glucose distribution raises the osmotic pressure of the body fluids, which in turn reduces the amount of ice that forms at any given temperature [1]. The Wood frog also creates and antifreeze using their urea [5]. These cryoprotectants keep the water within their cells from freezing because this would indeed kill them [5]. As winter ends the frogs will begin to thaw and begin the breeding process [5].

== Diet ==

As tadpoles, Wood frogs only eat algae and other frog larvae, but as they grown into their adult stages they become omnivores [4]. While inhabiting the forests, they feed on a variety of small [[invertebrates]] that they find on the forest floor. With their long tongue they can catch [[insects]] including, arachnids, worms, [[slugs]], and snails [5]. The Wood frog is not particular about its diet and will eat just about anything that's the size of its mouth [3]. These frogs are often seen as easy prey, and are eaten by snapping turtles, raccoons, skunks, coyotes, foxes, and birds [5].

== Reproduction ==

Wood frogs will leave their leaf litter refugee after "freezing off" to find a vernal pool for breeding [6]. This process typically begins as early as March and as late as April [4]. The male frogs will make a crocking noise to attract a mate when they are ready, this is typically at night [3]. While the male is on the back of the female they will both simultaneously release their gametes, sperm and egg, into the water [3]. The eggs are now fertilized, and can continue to grow in the water [3]. Each female can lay 1,000 to 3,000 eggs per season [5]. To prevent the eggs from drifting downstream the egg mass attaches itself to nearby vegetation [3]. It takes the eggs about one week until they hatch, once hatched they are in their tadpole stage [3]. This stage can last at least two months, and is likely to be longer if nutrient availability is low [3]. After the two months, the tadpoles have transformed into froglets [3]. These froglets are only about ten centimeters long and it takes two more years until they before adult Wood frogs [3]. After two years, the Wood frog is fully matured it may began to mate, and the process begins again [3]. Wood frogs have a life span of about 3 years [5].

----

== References ==

[1] Costanzo, Jon P., et al. “Cryoprotectants and Extreme Freeze Tolerance in a Subarctic Population of the Wood Frog.” PLOS ONE, vol. 10, no. 2, Feb. 2015, p. e0117234. PLoS Journals, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0117234.

[2] Integrated Taxonomic Information System - Report. (n.d.). . https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=775197.

[3] Preston, B. (n.d.). The Biology of the Wood Frog. Nature North. http://www.naturenorth.com/spring/creature/woodfrog/wf2.html.

[4] Wild things in your woods. (n.d.). . Cornell University. https://cpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com/blogs.cornell.edu/dist/a/7804/files/2018/05/Wood-Frog-23xt0xr-11v8dab.pdf.

[5] Wood frog. (n.d.). . National Wildlife Federation. https://www.nwf.org/educational-resources/wildlife-guide/amphibians/wood-frog#:~:text=Wood%20frogs%20are%20found%20in,lay%20eggs%20in%20vernal%20pools.

[6] Wood Frog. (n.d.). . Virginia Herpetological Society. https://www.virginiaherpetologicalsociety.com/amphibians/frogsandtoads/wood-frog/wood_frog.php.

File:WFTAnatomyBW.jpg

2022-04-20T18:13:37Z

Gakoebck:

Wood frog

2022-04-20T18:13:06Z

Gakoebck:

The Wood Frog otherwise known as ''Lithobates sylvaticus'' is a terrestrial frog found throughout North America [5]. In Greek '' Litho'' translates to "a stone", ''bates'' translates to "one that walks", and ''sylvaticus'' meaning "amidst the trees" [6]. They belong to the Order ''Anura'' and the Family ''Ranidae'' [2]. This species of frog is common and is not currently under any threat of extinction [5].

== Description ==

[[File:wood-frog.jpg|260px|thumb|left|This is a photo of an adult Wood frog.]]

The Wood frog is a comparatively small frog. Fully grown adults are 1.5 to 3.25 inches in length [5]. Females are typically larger and more brightly colored than their male counterparts [5]. They can differ in color, but bodies typically range from a light tan to a dark brown [4]. Their most distinct feature is the coloration around their eyes. The Wood frog has two black markings that extend back from their eyes, resembling a mask [6]. The underbelly is white and sometimes has small grey marks [4]. This frog has two distinct ridges that run down their back. These ridges are known as Dorsolateral folds [6].

== Range and Habitat ==

[[File:woodfrogmap.gif|200px|thumb|left|This map shows the geographical range for''Lithobates sylvaticus''.]]

Wood frogs have a very large range. They are found in Canada and North America [5]. Their range goes as far south as the Appalachian mountains and as far north as Alaska [6]. They can also be found in smaller populations in Alabama and Idaho [5]. The Wood frog is the only frog that lives in the Artic Circle, this is due to their ability to freeze [5].

Wood frogs typically like both deciduous and coniferous forests [6]. They gravitate towards forests with a closed canopy to keep out sunlight and keep in moisture [2]. This species likes lots of leaf litter and wood debris on the forest floor for shelter [4]. Especially in the winter, Wood frogs can go upland and seek refuge in the leaf litter while they hibernate [3]. When they are not breeding, they can be found in an moist forested areas, ravines, bogs or forested swamps. When spring comes they migrate into forested wetlands or other protected bodies of water to breed [2].

During mating season, these frogs find temporary pools of water of [[Vernal Pools|vernal pools]] [6]. These can be any cut off water sources like streams or ponds, and can even be in ditches. These are preferably free of fish to increase survivability of the offspring [6]. Wood frogs are diurnal and are rarely seen at night but often heard in loud choruses during mating season [5].

== Cold Tolerance ==

Wood frogs are one of the only species of frog to live in the Artic Circle, this is due to their ability to freeze [4]. These frogs "freeze over" in the winter, this serves as hibernation [5]. The freezing process works by releasing large amounts of glucose into their bloodstream, this keeps their body cells from freezing, but not their other bodily fluids [4]. The distribution of liver glycogen enhances the survival of cells, tissues, and organs. This was seen by experimentally adding additional glucose to the Wood frog which increased its tolerance to freezing [1]. This glucose distribution raises the osmotic pressure of the body fluids, which in turn reduces the amount of ice that forms at any given temperature [1]. The Wood frog also creates and antifreeze using their urea [5]. These cryoprotectants keep the water within their cells from freezing because this would indeed kill them [5]. As winter ends the frogs will begin to thaw and begin the breeding process [5].

== Diet ==

As tadpoles, Wood frogs only eat algae and other frog larvae, but as they grown into their adult stages they become omnivores [4]. While inhabiting the forests, they feed on a variety of small [[invertebrates]] that they find on the forest floor. With their long tongue they can catch [[insects]] including, arachnids, worms, [[slugs]], and snails [5]. The Wood frog is not particular about its diet and will eat just about anything that's the size of its mouth [3]. These frogs are often seen as easy prey, and are eaten by snapping turtles, raccoons, skunks, coyotes, foxes, and birds [5].

== Reproduction ==

Wood frogs will leave their leaf litter refugee after "freezing off" to find a vernal pool for breeding [6]. This process typically begins as early as March and as late as April [4]. The male frogs will make a crocking noise to attract a mate when they are ready, this is typically at night [3]. While the male is on the back of the female they will both simultaneously release their gametes, sperm and egg, into the water [3]. The eggs are now fertilized, and can continue to grow in the water [3]. Each female can lay 1,000 to 3,000 eggs per season [5]. To prevent the eggs from drifting downstream the egg mass attaches itself to nearby vegetation [3]. It takes the eggs about one week until they hatch, once hatched they are in their tadpole stage [3]. This stage can last at least two months, and is likely to be longer if nutrient availability is low [3]. After the two months, the tadpoles have transformed into froglets [3]. These froglets are only about ten centimeters long and it takes two more years until they before adult Wood frogs [3]. After two years, the Wood frog is fully matured it may began to mate, and the process begins again [3]. Wood frogs have a life span of about 3 years [5].

----

== References ==

[1] Costanzo, Jon P., et al. “Cryoprotectants and Extreme Freeze Tolerance in a Subarctic Population of the Wood Frog.” PLOS ONE, vol. 10, no. 2, Feb. 2015, p. e0117234. PLoS Journals, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0117234.

[2] Integrated Taxonomic Information System - Report. (n.d.). . https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=775197.

[3] Preston, B. (n.d.). The Biology of the Wood Frog. Nature North. http://www.naturenorth.com/spring/creature/woodfrog/wf2.html.

[4] Wild things in your woods. (n.d.). . Cornell University. https://cpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com/blogs.cornell.edu/dist/a/7804/files/2018/05/Wood-Frog-23xt0xr-11v8dab.pdf.

[5] Wood frog. (n.d.). . National Wildlife Federation. https://www.nwf.org/educational-resources/wildlife-guide/amphibians/wood-frog#:~:text=Wood%20frogs%20are%20found%20in,lay%20eggs%20in%20vernal%20pools.

[6] Wood Frog. (n.d.). . Virginia Herpetological Society. https://www.virginiaherpetologicalsociety.com/amphibians/frogsandtoads/wood-frog/wood_frog.php.

Cinnamon Fern

2022-04-20T18:11:34Z

Gakoebck:

''Osmunda cinnamomea'', more commonly known as the Cinnamon [[fern]], is a deciduous perennial fern [4]. It looks very similar to the Interrupted, Royal, and Sensitive fern because of its composition, but using the reproductive fronds you can tell them apart [1]. The Cinnamon fern has cinnamon-colored fiddleheads specially used for reproduction, and that's where it gets its name [1].

== Description ==
[[File:CinnamonfernClump.jpg|200px|thumb|left|Photo of a grouping of Cinnamon Ferns.]]

Cinnamon ferns have long green fronds that are typically 2-3' in length, but can reach up to 6' [5]. The blades of these fronds are pinnate, which means they share a common axis from which the pinna or the leaflets will grow [1]. Leaflets are deeply lobed, come to a point, and are about ten inches in length [1]. This fern likes to grow in groups or clumps in very moist in environments [5]. During the spring, spore bearing fronds will develop on this plant, these are known as "fiddleheads" [5]. These fiddleheads emerge from the base of the fern for reproduction [5]. Fiddleheads on Cinnamon ferns are anywhere from 2-4' long, they are very stiff, and have a yellow-greenish color [5]. On the outside of these reproductive fronds there are small cinnamon colored balls, these are their sori and sporangium [3]. [[File:FernDiagram.gif|200px|thumb|left|Anatomical Diagram of a Fern.]]

== Reproduction ==
[[File:CinnamonfernFiddlehead.jpg|200px|thumb|left|Photo of Cinnamon Fern Fiddlehead.]]

During the spring time, ferns will produce fertile fronds known as "fiddleheads" [5]. These fiddleheads are covered with sori and have the sole purpose of reproduction [1]. This fern becomes fertile in May and ends its reproductive period in June [4]. Ferns reproduce differently than other plants, by having a sporophytic life cycle [2]. First, the sporangium from a mature adult plant will open and released the egg and hopefully get find a male sori to start the germination process [2]. After the first fertilization the zygote begins to become a gametophyte/Prothallium once the Prothallium has matured it will undergo a second fertilization [2]. This second fertilization will mark the beginning of the Cinnamon ferns journey to maturity and the cycle can begin again [2].
[[File:Fernlifecycle.jpg|200px|thumb|left|Diagram of a fern's life cycle.]]

== Range and Habitat ==

Cinnamon ferns are primarily found in the Eastern United States and Canada, although have been found in gulf coast states, like New Mexico [1]. Like all ferns, the Cinnamon fern likes vey moist, acidic, and shady soils [1]. This plant typically likes wetland environments for example swamps, marshes, and wet forests [1]. This plant is slow to establish itself, but once it does it is long lived [5]. If soils becomes too dry this fern may go dormant until conditions are moist again [5].

== Uses ==

The Cinnamon fern is not used as a food source by any wildlife, but it does have uses. Parts of this fern are used by Warblers and hummingbirds for their nests [1]. Brown Thrashers and Veeries are reported to live in the base of this fern, and claim it as their nest [1]. In the past Cinnamon ferns have been used by the Abnaki and Menominee Native Americans for food and medicinal purposes [1]. Supposedly they used a concoction of root material and rubbed it into affect joints to relieve pain [1].

== References ==

[1] Adirondack Ferns: Cinnamon Fern | Osmundastrum cinnamomeum. (n.d.). . https://wildadirondacks.org/adirondack-ferns-cinnamon-fern-osmundastrum-cinnamomeum.html.

[2] Australian National Botanic Gardens, P. A. (n.d.). Growing ferns from spores - Australian Plant Information. https://www.anbg.gov.au/ferns/fern.spore.prop.html#:~:text=Ferns%20do%20not%20flower%20but,shaped%20plants%20known%20as%20prothalli.

[3] Cinnamon Fern & Interrupted Fern | Mountain Lake Biological Station, U.Va. (n.d.). . https://mlbs.virginia.edu/organism/cinnamon-interrupted-ferns#:~:text=Besides%20sexual%20reproduction%2C%20the%20ferns,cinnamon%20%E2%80%9Cfruiting%20bodies%E2%80%9D).

[4] Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - The University of Texas at Austin. (n.d.). . https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=OSCI.

[5] Osmundastrum cinnamomeum (Cinnamon Fern) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. (n.d.). . https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/osmundastrum-cinnamomeum/.

Cinnamon Fern

2022-04-20T18:10:59Z

Gakoebck:

''Osmunda cinnamomea'', more commonly known as the Cinnamon [[fern]], is a deciduous perennial fern [4]. It looks very similar to the Interrupted, Royal, and Sensitive fern because of its composition, but using the reproductive fronds you can tell them apart [1]. The Cinnamon fern has cinnamon-colored fiddleheads specially used for reproduction, and that's where it gets its name [1].

== Description ==
[[File:CinnamonfernClump.jpg|200px|thumb|left|Photo of group of Cinnamon Ferns.]]

Cinnamon ferns have long green fronds that are typically 2-3' in length, but can reach up to 6' [5]. The blades of these fronds are pinnate, which means they share a common axis from which the pinna or the leaflets will grow [1]. Leaflets are deeply lobed, come to a point, and are about ten inches in length [1]. This fern likes to grow in groups or clumps in very moist in environments [5]. During the spring, spore bearing fronds will develop on this plant, these are known as "fiddleheads" [5]. These fiddleheads emerge from the base of the fern for reproduction [5]. Fiddleheads on Cinnamon ferns are anywhere from 2-4' long, they are very stiff, and have a yellow-greenish color [5]. On the outside of these reproductive fronds there are small cinnamon colored balls, these are their sori and sporangium [3]. [[File:FernDiagram.gif|200px|thumb|left|Anatomical Diagram of a Fern.]]

== Reproduction ==
[[File:CinnamonfernFiddlehead.jpg|200px|thumb|left|Photo of Cinnamon Fern Fiddlehead.]]

During the spring time, ferns will produce fertile fronds known as "fiddleheads" [5]. These fiddleheads are covered with sori and have the sole purpose of reproduction [1]. This fern becomes fertile in May and ends its reproductive period in June [4]. Ferns reproduce differently than other plants, by having a sporophytic life cycle [2]. First, the sporangium from a mature adult plant will open and released the egg and hopefully get find a male sori to start the germination process [2]. After the first fertilization the zygote begins to become a gametophyte/Prothallium once the Prothallium has matured it will undergo a second fertilization [2]. This second fertilization will mark the beginning of the Cinnamon ferns journey to maturity and the cycle can begin again [2].
[[File:Fernlifecycle.jpg|200px|thumb|left|Diagram of a fern's life cycle.]]

== Range and Habitat ==

Cinnamon ferns are primarily found in the Eastern United States and Canada, although have been found in gulf coast states, like New Mexico [1]. Like all ferns, the Cinnamon fern likes vey moist, acidic, and shady soils [1]. This plant typically likes wetland environments for example swamps, marshes, and wet forests [1]. This plant is slow to establish itself, but once it does it is long lived [5]. If soils becomes too dry this fern may go dormant until conditions are moist again [5].

== Uses ==

The Cinnamon fern is not used as a food source by any wildlife, but it does have uses. Parts of this fern are used by Warblers and hummingbirds for their nests [1]. Brown Thrashers and Veeries are reported to live in the base of this fern, and claim it as their nest [1]. In the past Cinnamon ferns have been used by the Abnaki and Menominee Native Americans for food and medicinal purposes [1]. Supposedly they used a concoction of root material and rubbed it into affect joints to relieve pain [1].

== References ==

[1] Adirondack Ferns: Cinnamon Fern | Osmundastrum cinnamomeum. (n.d.). . https://wildadirondacks.org/adirondack-ferns-cinnamon-fern-osmundastrum-cinnamomeum.html.

[2] Australian National Botanic Gardens, P. A. (n.d.). Growing ferns from spores - Australian Plant Information. https://www.anbg.gov.au/ferns/fern.spore.prop.html#:~:text=Ferns%20do%20not%20flower%20but,shaped%20plants%20known%20as%20prothalli.

[3] Cinnamon Fern & Interrupted Fern | Mountain Lake Biological Station, U.Va. (n.d.). . https://mlbs.virginia.edu/organism/cinnamon-interrupted-ferns#:~:text=Besides%20sexual%20reproduction%2C%20the%20ferns,cinnamon%20%E2%80%9Cfruiting%20bodies%E2%80%9D).

[4] Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - The University of Texas at Austin. (n.d.). . https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=OSCI.

[5] Osmundastrum cinnamomeum (Cinnamon Fern) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. (n.d.). . https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/osmundastrum-cinnamomeum/.

2022-04-20T18:05:19Z

Gakoebck:

2022-03-22T20:07:09Z

Gakoebck:

Cinnamon Fern

2022-03-22T20:06:37Z

Gakoebck: