| Summary: | Other date: 2020. Abstract: Red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans) are considered one of the most abundant and successful invasive turtle species in the world. Currently, red-eared sliders are known to have reproducing populations on every continent with the exception of Antarctica. In areas where they have become established, red-eared sliders often outcompete and in some areas extirpate native turtle fauna. A key adaptation recognized in red-eared sliders is their ability to survive a wide range of environmental temperatures. Across their native range, the turtles are noted to survive long-term winter freezing temperatures, as well as prolonged exposure to summer temperature extremes. Although temperature plays an important role in shaping red-eared slider ecology and distribution, relatively little is known about their thermal requirements. This study is the first to use Critical and Chronic Thermal Methodology to define the red-eared slider's thermal niche. The chronic maximum temperature was 43°C ± 0.3, while the chronic minimum was 18°C ± 0.3. Critical Thermal Maximum increased in correlation to acclimation temperature, 41.8°C ± 0.3 at 15°C, 43.2°C ± 0.3 at 22°C, 44.1°C ± 0.5 at 28°C, and 45.7°C ± 0.2 when acclimated to 35°C. Critical Thermal Minimum also increased in relation to the acclimation temperature, -0.04°C ± 0.3 at 15°C, 2.7°C ± 0.1 at 22°C, 3.3°C ± 0.3 at 28°C, and 5.1°C ± 0.2 when acclimated at 35°C. Using the results of this study, the thermal polygon of red-eared sliders was able to be quantified and paves the way for future thermal studies in this species. by Abigail Tatum. Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering Thesis (M.S.) University of West Florida 2020 Includes bibliographical references. Also available in print.
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