kerogen shale/oil shale

Rocks that contain kerogen, a mix of solid organic material that can be converted to a liquid fossil fuel for extraction. (Chapter 19)

keystone species

A species that impacts its community more than its mere abundance would predict, often altering ecosystem structure. (Chapter 10, 13)

K-selected species

Species that have a low biotic potential and that share characteristics such as long life span, late maturity, and low fecundity; generally show logistic population growth. (Chapter 9)

Kyoto Protocol

The 1997 amendment to the UNFCCC that set legally binding specific goals for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions for certain nations that ratified the treaty. (Chapter 24)