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Linnean Classification
Domain: Eukarya Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Reptilia Order: Testudines Family: Emydidae Genus: Trachemys Species: Trachemys Scripta Conformer (and Regulator): This organism is not a regulator of temperature as it is a cold-blooded animal, being a reptile. This means that the organism does not maintain a constant body temperature, and it fluctuates based on the environment’s temperature. So, it is a conformer of temperature. However, this turtle, living in water, must be able to regulate salt concentration, so this makes the turtle a regulator of salt concentration. Thus, these turtles are both conformers and regulators. Dormant: Although the red-eared slider does not hibernate, it does become brumate, a process by which the turtle becomes very inactive, and goes under water. This generally occurs when temperatures reach under 10 degrees Celsius, and the turtle does not eat nor defecate, and its heart rate and breathing slows dramatically. It can drop its cardiac output by as much as 80% to minimize energy expenditure. This makes the red-eared slider a dormant species. Generalist: The red-eared slider can live in basically any environment that contains water and does not regularly drop below 21 degrees celsius, otherwise the turtle will not be able to function properly. Consumer: This animal is a consumer because it consumes other living things to obtain energy. It cannot perform photosynthesis or chemosynthesis, so it has to eat other organisms for food. Omnivore: The red-eared slider eats primarily a variety of water plants, worms, animal remains, tadpoles, bugs, snails and fish. It eats both autotrophs and heterotrophs, making the red-eared slider an omnivore. Niche: The red-eared slider barely has any predators, due to their protective shells, but sometimes they can fall victim to skunks, foxes and raccoons. They eat a variety of water plants, worms, animal remains, tadpoles, bugs, snails and fish. These turtles can tolerate any temperatures over 21 degrees Celsius, as below these temperature, the turtle will not be able to function. To heat itself off, or cool itself down, turtles will either sunbathe out of the water, or go into the water. If temperatures get too low, turtle will bromate, going into a hibernation-like state to conserve energy. Females lay multiple "clutches" a year, each clutch containing 14-15 eggs. These turtles can reproduce year round except when in brumation. |
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