Biology Dictionary

  • Craton

    Craton

    A stable, ancient part of the Earth’s crust that has not been significantly affected by tectonic activity.

  • Cratonic

    Cratonic

    Pertaining to a craton, or the ancient and stable part of the Earth’s crust.

  • Crenation

    Crenation

    The process by which cells shrink and form a notched or scalloped shape, often due to water loss from osmosis.

  • Crescentic

    Crescentic

    Referring to a crescent-shaped structure, often used in describing biological features or formations.

  • Cretaceous western interior seaway

    Cretaceous western interior seaway

    A large inland sea that split North America during the Cretaceous period, covering much of the continent’s interior.

  • Cri-du-chat syndrome

    Cri-du-chat syndrome

    A genetic disorder caused by a deletion on chromosome 5, characterized by a distinctive cat-like cry, intellectual disability, and developmental delays.

  • Cristae (singular, crista)

    Cristae (singular, crista)

    The inner membrane folds of the mitochondrion, which increase surface area for ATP production in cellular respiration.

  • Crocodilians

    Crocodilians

    A group of reptiles including crocodiles, alligators, caimans, and gharials, known for their semi-aquatic lifestyles and predatory behavior.

  • Cro-Magnon

    Cro-Magnon

    An early population of anatomically modern humans, coexisting with Neanderthals in Europe during the Upper Paleolithic period.

  • Crop

    Crop

    An organ found in some animals, particularly birds, that stores and softens food before digestion.