Tortoise Glossary Terms

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Glossary Terms: K

Karotype:   

The characterisation of the chromosomal complement of a species, including number, form, and size of the chromosomes.

Keel:   

A ridge sometimes seen in the vertebral region of the carapace.

Keeled Scale:   

A scale that has a narrow ridge (median ridge) running down the centre from front to rear. Keeled scales give a reptile a rough appearance and feel.

Keratin: 

A tough insoluble fibrous protein which is the chief structural component of the carapace shields, beaks and claws.

Kinixys belliana:   

Bells Hinged Tortoise/Bell’s Hinge-back Tortoise.

Kinixys lobatsiana: 

Hingeback tortoise.  Also called Lobatse hingeback.