Glossary K
K-selection / K-strategy / K-strategists
A pattern of reproduction of a given species, generally characterized by late maturation, an extended life span and significant parental involvement in the rearing of a limited number of slowly developing young; e.g., humans. Also, K-strategy, K-strategists. Compare R-selection
K-T boundary
1. The transition in geologic time from the end of the Cretaceous (k) to the beginning of the Tertiary (T), approximately 65 million years ago. 2. A site or area showing evidence of rocks and other materials from both periods.
K-T extinction
A phenomenon occuring at the end of the Cretaceous era, i.e., about 65 million years ago, involving the mass extinction of numerous species including many dinosaurs; regarded as a continuum of related events but not established as having a single overriding cause.
Keratin / Keratinous
The fibrous protein matter that is the main constituent of hair, nails, horn, and other such epidermal structures in vertebrates. Thus, Keratinous
Kinematics
The study of the course or pattern of motion; e.g., an animal\\\'s motion.