The agaric is a large and important genus of fungi, characterized by having a fleshy cap or pileus, and a number of radiating plates or gills on which are produced the naked spores. The majority of this species are furnished with stems, but some are attached to the objects on which they grow by their pileus. Over a thousand species are known, and are arranged in five sections according as the colour of their spores is white, pink, brown, purple, or black. Many of the species are edible, like the common mushroom (Agaric campestris), and supply a deliciousarticle of food, while others are deleterious and even poisonous. Research Agaric
Amphibia (the amphibians) is a class of vertebrate animals, which in their early life breathe by gills or branchiae, and afterwards partly or entirely by lungs. The Frog, breathing in its tadpole state by gills and afterwards throwing off these organs and breathing entirely by lungs in its adult state, is an example of the latter phase of amphibian existence. The Proteus of the underground caves of Central Europe exemplifies forms in which the gills of early life are retained throughout life, and in which lungs are developed in addition to the gills. A second character of this group consists in the presence of two occipital condyles, or processes by means of which the skull articulates with the spine or vertebral column; Reptiles possessing one condyle only. The class is divided into four orders: the Ophiomorpha (or serpentiform), represented by the Blind-worms, in which limbs are wanting and the body is snake-like ; the Urodela or Tailed Amphibians, including the Newts, Proteus, Siren, etc; theAnoura, or Tailless Amphibia, represented by the Frogs and Toads; and the Labyrinthodontia, which includes the extinct forms known as Labyrinthodons. Research Amphibia
Amphiuma is a genus of amphibians which frequent the lakes and stagnant waters of North America. The adults retain the clefts at which the gills of the tadpole projected. Research Amphiuma
Asiphonata or Asiphonida is an order of lamellibranchiate, bivalve molluscs, destitute of the siphon or tube through which, in the Siphonata, the water that enters the gills is passed outwards. It includes the oysters, the scallop-shells, the pearl-oyster, the mussels, and in general the most useful and valuable molluscs. Research Asiphonata
Axolotl are salamanders of the genus Amblystoma found in North America. The Axolotl is a stoutly-built lizard-like animal, about 25 cm long, dark grey in colour with black spots. The tail is flattened and has a semi-transparent membranous fin. The head is flat and broad and has three feathery gills on each side. The Axolotl retain many larval characteristics, but can develop into full adults in certain conditions. In Mexico they were eaten as a delicacy by the native Indians. Research Axolotl
The bichir (African mud-fish) is an African fish of the genusPolypterus, found in tropical swamps and rivers in Africa. It is cylindrical in shape, and some species grow to 70 centimetres or more. They show many 'primitive' features, such as breathing air by using the swim bladder, having a spiral valve in the intestine, having heavy bony scales, and having larvae with external gills. These, and the fleshy fins, lead some scientists to think they are related to the lungfish and coelacanths. Research Bichir
The branchiogasteropoda are gasteropodous molluscs whose respiration is aquatic, being generally effected by means of external branchiae or gills. They include a great many animals with univalve shells, as whelks, limpets, cone-shells, periwinkles, cowries, etc, also sea-hares, sea-slugs, sea-lemons, and the heteropoda. Research Branchiogasteropoda
Branchiopoda is a subclass of crustacean in which the trunk appendages are broad, lobed and fringed with hairss and so called because their branchiae, or gills, are situated on the feet. They have one to three masticating jaws, and the head is not distinct from the thorax, which is much reduced in size. They include the water-fleas, trilobites, phyllopods, etc. Research Branchiopoda
Cantharellales is an order of fungi similar to the mushrooms and toadstools, but the members don't form proper gills with a sharp edge. Instead spores are formed on radiating folds and ridges. Research Cantharellales
The Probert Encyclopaedia was designed, edited and programed by
Matt and Leela Probert
Abbreviations
Research Pint
