A median is a form of mean in which a set of numbers is arranged in an ascending or descending scale and the middle number (if there are an odd number in the set) or the arithmetic mean of the middle two numbers (if there are an even number) is taken as the median. This can give a more representative average in some circumstances than an arithmetic mean or a geometric mean. Research Median
Carinatse is Huxley's second order of the class Aves or birds, the other two being Saururae and Ratitae. The Carinatse include all the living flying birds, that is, all existing birds except the Cursores, and are characterized by the fact that the sternum or breast-bone is furnished with a prominentmedian ridge or keel, whence the name. Research Carinatse
Fins are the projecting- wing-like organs which enable fishes to balance themselves and assist in regulating their movements in the water. The fin consists of a thin elasticmembrane supported by rays or little bony or cartilaginous ossicles. The pectoral or breast fins are never more than two; they are placed immediately in the rear of the gill-opening on the shoulder. In a state of rest these fins are parallel with the body, and have the apex towards the tail. The ventrals, or abdominal fins, are placed under the throat or belly, and point downwards and backwards. They are smaller, in general, than the pectorals, and have sometimes long appendages. Those of the back, or the dorsal fins, point upwards and backwards, and vary in number from one to four, to which sometimes are added several finlets or pinnuioe - small appendages which are seen in the mackerel. The anal fins are situated behind the vent, varying in number from one to three, placed vertically, and, like the dorsal, generally deeper on the anterior margin. The caudal, or tail fin, terminates the body, and both propels the fish and serves as the rudder by which it steers itself. The pectoral and ventral are known as paired fins, and represent the fore and hind limbs of other vertebrates; the dorsal, anal, and caudal are median, vertical, or unpaired fins, and are organs peculiar to fishes. Research Fin
Oligella is a genus of featherwing beetles, Ptiliidae characterised by a median longitudinal groove and an impression at the base of the pronotum. Research Oligella
The pichiciago (Chlamydophorus truncatus) is a species of armadillo. The head and body are covered by a dorsal shield made of four-sided horny plates, beneath which lie thin plates of bone. The shield is only attached along the median line of the back, and is free at the sides. The posterior end of the body is abruptly truncated, and is protected by a strong, vertical, bony shield covered with horny plates, through a hole in which the tail passes out. It is a burrowing animal about 14 centimetres long, and inhabits the western part or Argentina. Research Pichiciago
The ptarmigan is a Scottish bird of the Tetraonidae family, similar to the grouse. It is essentially a mountain form, feeding on shoots and berries, and unlike many of its allies, is monogamous. The most interesting point about it is the striking seasonal variation of the plumage, which exhibits a marked resemblance to the surroundings. In the colder parts of its range both sexes become white in winter, with the exception of the outer tail feathers, which are black in both sexes, and a black patch in front of the eye in the male. The summer plumage of the male is blackish brown with grey and reddish markings; the greater part of the wings, the median tail feathers, and the abdomen retaining the winter white. The female is reddish, barred with black. In autumn the back becomes greyish. Research Ptarmigan
The St Helena Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis zonata zonata) is a subspecies of King snake found in woodlands growing to about 102 centimetres in length. The black rings often touch along the median keel and the snout and most of the head are uniformly black in colour, with the first white ring starting at the posterior margin of the mouth. Research St Helena Mountain Kingsnake
The walrus or morse (Trichechus rosmarus) is a large pinniped marine carnivore similar to the seal but constituting a special family, the Trichechidae or Odobenidae. It is confined to the Arctic regions and occurs in two varieties, a Pacific and an Atlantic form. It is a clumsy animal reaching a length of 3.5 metres and a weight of 1400 kg. As in the eared seals, the hind limbs are capable of being turned forwards to support the weight of the body, and the first and fifth toes are larger than the three median ones. The toes of the hind feet have, further, large lobes projecting beyond the ends of the bones. External ears are totally absent, and the canines of the upper jaw are greatly enlarged to form conspicuous projecting tusks. The muzzle is divided into two parts by a groove between the nostrils, and the upper lip is furnished at each side with a number of conspicuous bristles. The tail is small, the fore limbs nearly as large s the hind, and there are five small claws on both fore and hind feet. Walruses are usually found in the vicinity of land or floating ice. They are markedly social and except during the breeding season or when attacked are gentle and inoffensive. Research Walrus
Arbaces was one of the generals of Sardanapalus, king of Assyria. He revolted and defeated his master, and became the founder of the Medianempire in 846 B.C. Research Arbaces
Cyrus the Great was the founder of the Persian Empire. Head of a Persian tribe he overthrew the MedianEmpire and became King of the Persians around 555 BC. He was a wise and tolerant ruler who released the Jews from Babylon and allowed them to rebuild Jerusalem. Research Cyrus The Great
The Probert Encyclopaedia was designed, edited and programed by
Matt and Leela Probert
Abbreviations
Research Median
