Ford F-Series

The "Super Duty" F series did not yet exist, so an F-250 was offered which was an F-150 with heavier duty axles and suspension, along with odd 7 lug wheels. Many Anurans readily hybridise. Ford took the aero styling to its conclusion for 1997 with an extremely round nose on the new F-series. The distinction is far from universally accepted, especially because there are few features that are as unique to any group as taxonomists would like. Engines:. This classification is based on the perceived possession of derived features of the three groups and refers to a fairly deep phylogenetic split, with the newest group, the Neobatrachia, having some 5,000 species. 500,000 F-Series trucks were sold in 1992, but this rose to nearly 800,000 by 1996, and the Ford had overtaken the combined Chevrolet and GMC pickup sales for the first time in a decade. Frogs and toads are broadly classified into three suborders: Archaeobatrachia, Mesobatrachia and Neobatrachia - respectively, old, intermediate and new frogs.

Ford trailed rival General Motors trucks for much of the ninth generation, though sales steadily rose each year. While its skin is slightly warty, it prefers a watery habitat. Following the lead of the Explorer, an Eddie Bauer trim line was added for 1995. An exception can be made for the Fire-bellied toad (Bombina bombina). A CD player option was new for 1994, as was a driver's-side airbag and "CHMSL" third brake light. The distinction between frogs and toads is usually based on the ability to retain moisture; frogs are smooth and moist skinned, while toads have dry, warty skin. The Lightning appeared in 1993. However, many families, and even genera, have a mixture of frogs and toads, so there is no taxonomic justification.

The 1992 truck was much more rounded and aerodynamic-looking, and the flareside returned until 1996. Most frogs in the Ranidae family (true frogs) and Hylidae family (tree frogs) are considered frogs, whereas all those within the Bufonidae family (true toads) are considered toads. Engines:. This distinction has no scientific basis, and only refers to the common name of a species. The 5.0 L truck also had an optional "Touch Drive" electronic transfer case. A problem commonly associated with Anurans is the distinction between frogs and toads. Four wheel drive improvements included the addition of automatic locking hubs for the F-150 in 1989, and for the rest in 1991. The order Anura contains some 5250 species in 33 families, whereof the Leptodactylidae (1100 spp.), Hylidae (800 spp.) and Ranidae (750 spp.) are the most speciose.

1988 also saw the replacement of the 6.9L diesel with a 7.3L International Harvester IDI diesel. Although habitat loss is certainly one of the most important features of most declines; pollutants, climate change, introduction of non-indigenous predators/competitors, and infectious diseases (see Chytrid fungus) have also been implicated. For 1987 the 4.9L had standard fuel injection; for 1988, the 5.8L and 7.5L also gained fuel injection, with 1988 being the first year no carbureted engines were offered. The decline in frog diversity may also be to do with particular species having specialised on particular kinds of prey, such as certain kinds of earthworms that are themselves indicator species due to their close dependence on soil chemistry. The manual transmission was revised with five speeds in 1988, and the flareside box was dropped. Many environmental scientists feel that amphibians, and frogs in particular, may be excellent biological indicators of ecosystem function because of their location on the food web, their permeable skins and their typically bi-phasic life (in both water and on land). Rear antilock brakes were now standard, the first truck to boast this. In many parts of the world, the frog populations have declined drastically since the 1950s.

The design was more streamlined, and maintenance items were made simpler. Frogs are found nearly worldwide, but they do not occur in Antarctica and are not present on many oceanic islands. The 1987 refresh was evolutionary. Darwin's Frog (Rhinoderma darwinii) from Chile puts the tadpoles in its vocal sac for development. Engines:. To do this, the Gastric-brooding Frog must stop secreting stomach acid and suppress peristalsis (contractions of the stomach). In 1986 this became the only 5.0L offered. The female Gastric-brooding Frogs (genus: Rheobatrachus) from Australia swallows its tadpoles which develop in the stomach.

In 1985 fuel injection became optional in the 5.0L. The tadpoles will reside in the pouch until the end of metamorphosis. The base model was renamed to the now-familiar F-150 for 1984. The male Australian pouched frog (Assa darlingtoni) has pouches along its side. The big-block V8 was dropped for 1980, but added again in 1983 along with a Diesel option. Many frogs protect their offspring inside their own body. Trim options were now XL, XLT, and XLT Lariat. the midwife toads, Alytes spp.).

The Ranger trim line was dropped in 1982, since that name was to be applied to the new Ford Ranger compact pickup. Other frogs will carry the eggs and tadpoles on their hind legs or back (e.g. The new truck had a squarer look, with sharp lines and flat panels. The parent will then feed it through laying unfertilised eggs into the bromeliad, until the young have metamorphosed. The next major redesign came in 1980. After hatching, a parent (sex depending upon the species) will move them, on its back, to a water-holding bromeliad. Engines:. The frog will urinate if they become too dry.

That same year, the F-series became the best-selling vehicle in America, a position it has continued to hold since. This protection involves guarding the eggs from predation, and keeping the eggs moist. A luxury Lariat trim was introduced for 1978. Some species of poison dart frogs will lay eggs on the forest floor, and protect them until hatching. Other changes included the introduction of the Twin I-Beam suspension, a name that is still used, and the 1974 introduction of the extended super cab version. Although brood care is much less common, there is a great diversity of such behaviours. The truck was redesigned in 1973 with an automatic transmission option. This reduces the number of predators, and therefore increases the number of surviving offspring.

Engines:. They will lay the eggs en masse, and any predator within the region will die once they eat the egg or tadpole. The fifth generation F-series is also locally produced in Brazil. Although the Cane Toad, and similar species, do not advertise their toxicity the offspring still survive in large numbers. The top trim for 1970 was named Ranger XLT. Other poisonous species will not, such as the Cane Toad (Bufo marinus). A 4-door crew cab version was introduced in 1969, still a popular option. Some tadpoles will advertise their toxicity, usually poison dart frogs, to warn potential prey.

The front leaf springs were replaced by coil springs in F-100s in 1968 along with a powertrain refresh. Poisonous tadpoles and/or eggs is an adaptation also present in frogs. Another refresh came in 1967 along with a now-familiar name: the upscale Ranger trim line. The tadpoles drop into the water upon hatching. Engines:. One way in which some species avoid the predation and pathogens eggs are exposed to in ponds is to lay eggs on leaves above the pond, with a coating designed to retain moisture. Power was over 200 hp with the 1965 refresh of the powertrain. However, there is a greater chance some will survive than a laying of smaller numbers.

The truck was completely redesigned for 1961 with a wider look, and styleside trucks got an integrated cab and box. A majority of the offspring will usually die due to predation, disease or competition with other tadpoles. Engines:. The female will lay thousands of eggs in one laying. Four wheel drive, now a common feature, was a new addition to the truck in 1959. The most common adaptation is mass laying of eggs. In the back, the traditional separate-fender body was now called flareside, while a new smooth-sided look was styleside. Frogs have evolved many techniques to protect the survival of the next generation.

The truck was restyled again in 1957 with the hood now merging with the fenders. The egg and tadpole stage of a frog's life cycle is usually the most dangerous due to easy predation. Engines:. More importantly, reproducing early in the season ensures that appropriate food is available to the developing frogs at the right time. Interior amenities were new, including a dome light, lighter, arm rests, and sun visors. Reproducing in these conditions helps the developing tadpoles because dissolved oxygen concentrations in the water are highest at cold temperatures. The pickups also acquired their familiar names: F-100, F-250, and the heavy-duty F-350. Water temperatures at this time of year are relatively low and typically between four and 10 degrees Celsius.

The F-series was redesigned for 1953 with a more integrated look. In the UK most common frog populations produce frogspawn in February although there is wide variation in timing. Engines:. Most temperate species of frog reproduce in the period between late autumn to early spring. The F-series was available as three models:. The eggs will hatch after a short time, releasing tadpoles. It was a modern-looking truck with a one-piece windshield and integrated headlights. The eggs are typically brown or black, with a clear, gelatine-like, covering.

The first F-series truck from Ford was introduced in 1948, replacing the company's previous car-based pickup line. Once the eggs come in contact with the water, they will swell, and form a protective coating. . The female then releases her eggs, which the male frog covers with a sperm solution before the eggs make contact with the water. Analysts estimate that the F-Series alone makes up half of the Ford Motor Company's profits in recent years. This involves the male mounting the female and gripping her tightly. It has been the best-selling vehicle in the world for 23 years and the best-selling truck in the United States (and possibly the world) for 28 years. The male and female frog, will then undergo amplexus.

The most popular variant of the F-Series is the F-150. Some species have satellite males who do not call but intercept females approaching one of the calling males. The F-Series is a series of full-size pickup trucks from Ford Motor Company sold for over 5 decades. The call is unique to the species, and will attract females of that species. URL accessed on November 8, 2004.. They will then call, collectively becoming a chorus of frogs. Edmunds.com. The life cycle continues with male frogs of a species assembling at a still water source.

A Ford F-Series History. The French custom of eating frog legs is the source of the English use of the derogatory nickname "frogs" for French people. 1999-2003 - 7.3 L Power Stroke turbo-Diesel V8, 235 hp/500 ft.lbf (Super Duty). Frog legs are a delicacy in China, France, and in many parts of the American South, especially Louisiana. 1999-2003 - 6.8 L Triton V10, 275 hp/410 ft.lbf (Super Duty). Frogs are also eaten by people. 1999-2004 - 5.4 L supercharged Triton V8, 340 hp (02-03 Harley-Davidson). Frogs are themselves predated by birds, large fish, snakes, otters, foxes, badgers, coatis, and other animals.

2001-2004 - 5.4 L supercharged Triton V8, 380 hp (01-04 Lightning). Some frogs use their sticky tongues effectively in catching fast-moving prey, while others capture their prey, and force it into their mouth with their hands. 1999-2000 - 5.4 L supercharged Triton V8, 360 hp (99-00 Lightning). A few of the larger species may eat larger prey, such as small mammals, fish and smaller frogs. 1999-2003 - 5.4 L Triton V8, 260 hp/350 ft.lbf. All juvenile and adult frogs are carnivores, eating invertebrates such as insects, worms and spiders. 1997-1998 - 5.4 L Triton V8, 235 hp/330 ft.lbf. Most species complete their development within about three months, while others, such as the midwife toad Alytes obstetricans and the Common Spadefoot (Pelobates fuscus), hibernate as tadpoles and complete their development the following spring.

1999-2003 - 4.6 L Triton V8, 231 hp/293 ft.lbf. The final stage of development from froglet to adult frog involves apoptosis (programmed cell death) of the tail. 1997-1998 - 4.6 L Triton V8, 220 hp/280 ft.lbf. As tadpoles grow, they undergo metamorphosis, in which they develop legs and lungs, have their intestines shorten to accommodate a carnivorous diet, to become a froglet. 1997-2003 - 4.2 L Essex V6, 202 hp/252 ft.lbf. Cannibalism has also been observed among tadpoles. 1995-1996 - 7.3 L Power Stroke turbo-Diesel V8, 210 hp/425 ft.lbf. Tadpoles are entirely aquatic, and are vulnerable to predation by fish, newts, predatory diving beetles, and birds such as kingfishers.

1993-1995 - 5.8 L Windsor V8, FI, 240 hp Lightning. Some species are carnivorous at the tadpole stage, usually eating small larvae and fish. 1992-1996 - 5.8 L Windsor V8, FI, 210 hp. Tadpoles are typically herbivorous, feeding mostly on algae, including diatoms that are filtered from the water through the gills. 1992-1996 - 5.0 L Windsor V8, FI, 185 hp. Frogs start life as tadpoles. 1992-1996 - 7.3 L Turbo IDI Diesel V8, 190 hp/395 ft.lbf. The life cycle of frogs contains two main stages, the adult and the tadpole.

1992-1996 - 7.3 L IDI Diesel V8, 185 hp/360 ft.lbf. Edible frogs rely on skin modifications rather than poisons for protection. 1992-1996 - 7.5 L 385 V8, FI, 240 hp. There is also one nonpoisonous frog in South America which mimics a poisonous frog’s colors to protect itself. 1992-1996 - 4.9 L straight-6, FI, 150 hp. Poisonous frogs tend to advertise their toxicity with bright colours. 1988-1991 - Windsor 5.8 L V8, FI, 210 hp. The name of the frog was changed from Poison Arrow Frog to Poison Dart Frog in the early 1980's.

1987-1991 - Windsor 5.0 L V8, FI, 185 hp. It was previously a misconception that the poison was placed on arrows rather than darts. 1988-1991 - 7.3 L International Harvester IDI Diesel V8, 180 hp. Some natives of the Amazon area extract poison from the Poison Dart Frog and put it on their darts when hunting. 1988-1991 - 385 7.5 L V8, FI, 230 hp. The Australian Corroboree Frogs, Pseudophryne corroboree and Pseudophryne pengilleyi, have been discovered to be able to manufacture an alkaloid not derived from their diet ^[2]. 1987 - 7.5 L 385 V8, 245 hp (183 kW). Generally the frog obtains the poison from the insects and other animals it eats.

1987 - 6.9 L Diesel V8, 170 hp (127 kW). Many predators of frogs have adapted to tolerate high levels of these poisons, whereas others, including humans, may be severely affected and hence deterred by them. 1987 - Windsor 5.8 L V8. The chemical makeup of these toxins varies from irritants to hallucinogens, convulsants, nerve poisons, and vasoconstrictors (which act to narrow the blood vessels). 1987-1991 - 4.9 L straight-6, FI, 150 hp (112 kW). Some frogs, such as the arrow-poison frog, are especially toxic. 1983-1986 - 6.9 L Diesel V8, 170 hp (127 kW). All frogs have poison glands in their skin.

1983-1986 - 7.5 L 385 V8, 245 hp (183 kW). Certain frogs change colour between night and day, which is caused by light and moisture stimulating the pigment cells and causing them to expand or contract. 1980-1982 - 400 in³ (6.6 L) Cleveland V8. Arboreal frogs will usually have smooth skin to effectively disguise them as leaves. 1983-1986 - Windsor 5.8 L V8. Features such as warts or skin folds are usually found on ground dwelling frogs, where a smooth skin would not disguise them effectively. 1980-1982 - 351 in³ (5.8 L) Cleveland V8. For example, White's tree frog (Litoria caerulea) varies in shades of green and brown.

1985-1986 - Windsor 5.0 L V8, FI, 185 hp. However, this is usually restricted to shades of one or two colours. 1980-1985 - 302 in³ (4.9 L) Windsor V8. Some frogs have the ability to change colour. 1980-1986 - 300 in³ (4.9 L) straight-6. Nocturnal frogs will usually find the ideal camouflaged position during the day to sleep. 1978-1979 - 300 in³ (4.9 L) straight-6, 114 hp (85 kW). Most camouflaged frogs are nocturnal, which adds to their ability to hide.

1977-1979 - 400 in³ (6.6 L) Cleveland V8, 169 hp (126 kW). Camouflage is a common defensive mechanism in frogs. 1977-1979 - 351 in³ (5.8 L) Cleveland V8, 163 hp (122 kW). They can also breathe with their mouths closed by taking air in through the nostrils (causing the throat to puff out), and then compressing the floor of the mouth, which forces the air into the lungs. 1973-1979 - 460 in³ (7.5 L) 385 V8. Frogs can breathe by simply opening their mouth and letting air flow into their windpipe. 1973-1977 - 302 in³ (4.9 L) Windsor V8. Their lungs are similar to those of humans, but the chest muscles are not involved in respiration and there are no ribs or diaphragm to support breathing.

1973-1977 - 390 in³ (6.4 L) FE V8. Adult frogs use their lungs when on land. 1973-1976 - 360 in³ (5.9 L) FE V8. When a frog is underwater, oxygen is transmitted through the skin directly into the bloodstream. 1973-1977 - 352 in³ (5.8 L) FE V8. There are a number of blood vessels near the skin. 1973-1977 - 300 in³ (4.9 L) straight-6. The skin of amphibians is moistened by secretions of mucus, and is used for respiration at times.

1973-1977 - 240 in³ (3.9 L) straight-6. Just as frogs are able to absorb water through their skin, they are also able to breathe through their skin. 1970-1972 - 302 in³ (4.9 L) Windsor V8, 220 hp (164 kW). The egg and tadpole development is very fast in comparison to most frogs, to prevent the pond drying before metamorphosis. 1968-1972 - 390 in³ (6.4 L) FE V8. Once it rains, they will emerge, find a temporary pond and breed. 1968-1972 - 360 in³ (5.9 L) FE V8. The Australia genus Cyclorana, and American genus Pternohyla will dig underground, form a water impervious cocoon and hibernate during dry periods.

1967 - 352 in³ (5.8 L) FE V8. For this reason, for frogs to survive in deserts or drought prone regions, where water may not be accessible for many years, other adaptations must suffice. 1967-1972 - 300 in³ (4.9 L) straight-6. These adaptations only reduce water loss enough for a predominately arboreal existence, and are not suitable for arid conditions. 1967-1972 - 240 in³ (3.9 L) straight-6. This position involves the frog lying with its toes and fingers tucked under its body and chin respectively, with no gap between the body and substrate. 1965-1966 - 352 in³ (5.8 L) FE V8, 208 hp (155 kW). This includes nocturnal activity, and resting in a water conserving position.

1965-1966 - 300 in³ (4.9 L) straight-6, 170 hp (127 kW). Some species will use behavioural traits to reduce water loss. 1965-1966 - 240 in³ (3.9 L) straight-6, 150 hp (112 kW). Some tree frogs reduce water loss with a water proof layer of skin. 1961-1964 - 292 in³ (4.8 L) Y-block V8, 186 hp (139 kW). Many frogs, such as tree frogs, have behaviourally and physiologically adapted to conserving water. 1961-1964 - 223 in³ (3.7 L) straight-6, 137 hp (102 kW). However, the permeability of frog's skin also results in some frogs losing large amounts of water.

1959-1960 - 292 in³ (4.8 L) Y-block V8, 186 hp (139 kW). Many frogs are able to absorb water directly through their skin, especially through the pelvic area. 1958 - 272 in³ (4.5 L) Y-block V8, 173 hp (129 kW). The croak of the American bullfrog (Rana catesbiana) is sometimes spelt "jug o' rum". 1958-1960 - 223 in³ (3.7 L) straight-6, 137 hp(102 kW). This difference is due to the different species within each region (for example, Common frog (Rana temporaria) in Britain and Leopard frog (Rana pipiens) in the USA). 1956 - 272 in³ (4.5 L) Y-block V8, 173 hp (129 kW). Frog noise tends to be spelt (for English speakers) as "crrrrk" in Britain and "ribbit" in the USA.

1956 - 223 in³ (3.7 L) "Mileage Maker" straight-6, 137 hp (102 kW). Many species of frog have deep calls, or croaks. 1954-1955 - 239 in³ (3.9 L) Y-block "Power King" V8, 130 hp (97 kW). The effectiveness of the call is unknown, however it is suspected the call intrigues the predator, until another animal is attracted, distracting them enough for its escape. 1954-1955 - 223 in³ (3.7 L) "Mileage Maker" straight-6, 115 hp (86 kW). This is done with the mouth open, and usually results in a higher pitched call. 1953 - 215 in³ (3.5 L) straight-six, 101 hp (75.3 kW). A distress call is emitted by some frogs when they are in a position of danger.

1953 - 239 in³ (3.9 L) Flathead V8, 100 hp (74.6 kW). All of these calls are emitted with the mouth of the frog closed. 1951-1952 - 215 in³ (3.5 L) straight-six, 101 hp (75.3 kW). Many species also have a territorial call that is used to chase away other males. 1948-1952 - 239 in³ (3.9 L) Flathead V8, 100 hp (74.6 kW). A male frog will emit a different call when mounted by another male. 1948-1950 - 226 in³ (3.7 L) straight-six, 95 hp (71 kW). Polypedates leucomystax, produce a call reciprocal to the male's which acts as the catalyst for the enhancement of reproductive activity in the breeding colony (Roy, 1997).

F-3 - Heavy Duty. Females of many frog species, e.g. F-2 - three-quarter-ton. Males will either call in a group, called a chorus, or individually. F-1 - half-ton. The main reason for calling is for the male to attract a mate. The flowing water overpowers any call, and they must communicate by other means.

Species of frog which have lost a vocal sack, and do not have a loud call, tend to inhabit areas close to flowing water. Their buccal cavity is enlarged and dome shaped, acting as a resonance chamber, and amplifies their call. Some frogs which lack vocal sacks, such as the frogs from the genera Heleioporus and Neobatrachus, can still have a loud call. Each call is unique to a species.

The vocal sac is a membrane of skin under the throat or on the corner of the mouth which distends during the amplification of the call. In most calling frogs, the sound is amplified by the vocal sac(s). It will call by passing air through the larynx, in the throat. The males of most species of frogs will call for a variety of reasons.

The hind legs of ground dwelling frogs are better suited to hopping. Ground dwelling frogs will usually have reduced toe pads (if any at all), and webbing. Ground dwelling frogs do not have much in the way of specific adaptations, except they lack the adaptations of aquatic and arboreal frogs. Therefore, many arboreal frogs have hips which allow both hopping and walking.

Transport through trees can be dangerous just through the process of hopping. This aids in creating the greatest surface area touching the substrate, by applying even pressure to the toes/fingers. Tree frogs also have a small structure called the intercalory structure in their toes and fingers. ^[1].

For this reason, wet frogs cannot grip to smooth surfaces. Capillarity then maintains the grip . On smooth surfaces, the gaps drain away excess moisture, to produce a thin layer of moisture. The pressure from the frog interlocks any irregularities on a surface, and therefore grips the surface.

The cells on the pads are interlocking, with gaps between each cell. The toe discs do not work by suction, but a more complicated system. Arboreal frogs have toe pads on the end of their toes to help grip. For example, the African dwarf frog (Hymenochirus sp.) is completely aquatic and its hands are fully webbed, whereas White's tree frog is arboreal, and is only half or one quarter webbed.

The degree to which a frog is aquatic, can usually be predicted from the amount their hands/feet are webbed. To do this, frogs have evolved a structure similar to most semi-aquatic animals - webbed feet and hands. An aquatic lifestyle for a frog requires a frog to move fast through the water. The three main habitats are terrestrial, aquatic and arboreal.

This is due to the large variety of habitats in which frogs inhabit. The feet/hands and legs of frogs, are one of the most varied structures within the order Anura. Hence, dead frogs are often used for dissections in high school and university anatomy classes, often after being injected with coloured plastics to enhance the contrast between different organs. The internal organs of frogs are relatively odourless.

They have a tympanum on each side of their head, which is involved in hearing, and is covered by skin in some species. Frogs have three eyelid membranes: one transparent to protect the eyes underwater, and two which are translucent to opaque. The skin lacks keratin and hangs loosely on the body because of the lack of loose connective tissue, and can be smooth, warty or have skin folds. Frogs range in size from 10mm (Psyllophryne didactyla of Brazil and Eleutherodactylus iberia of Cuba) to 300mm (Goliath frog, Conraua goliath, of Cameroon).

They have a short vertebral column, with no more than ten free vertebrae, followed by a fused tail bone, usually resulting in a frog without a tail. Frogs are generally well suited to jumping, and have long hind legs, with elongated ankle bones. However, there are some general characteristics that distinguish them from other amphibians. Because of the great diversity of frogs (approximately 5250 described species), many characteristics are not shared by all of the species.

. Their distribution ranges from tropic to subarctic regions, with most of the approximately 5250 described species found in tropical rainforest. Some frogs are poisonous and have warning colouration; others are well camouflaged. Most frogs have a semi-aquatic lifestyle, and their larvae, called tadpoles, have gills and develop in water.

"True frogs" are of the family Ranidae. The only family exclusively given the common name "toad" is Bufonidae, but many species from various other families are also called "toads". A distinction based on appearance is often made between frogs and toads, but this has no scientific basis. Adult frogs are characterised by long hindlegs, a short body, webbed digits, protruding eyes and the absence of a tail.

Frog is the common name for amphibians in the order Anura.