| 要旨トップ | 目次 | | 日本生態学会第73回全国大会 (2026年3月、京都) 講演要旨 ESJ73 Abstract

一般講演（ポスター発表） P2-002 （Poster presentation）

#### Resilence of Red-Eared Sliders: Chelonian Physiological and Morphological Adaptations【E】

*Ryan SEDDON（Lincoln Memorial University）

The success of invasive species in novel ecosystems depends not only on their ecological traits but also on underlying physiological mechanisms that facilitate adaptation to new environmental pressures. While most research has focused on the ecological impacts of invasive species, less attention has been given to how these invasive species adapt hormonally in response to their new surroundings. This study examines the Red-Eared Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans), one of the world’s most widespread invasive reptiles, to investigate how morphology and endocrine function contribute to ecological success in non-native habitats. As expected, the study showed invasive sliders exhibit significantly higher body condition, highlighting their ability to acquiring resources. However, steroid hormones were consistence between the two populations highlighting potentially limited influence of steroid hormones on their dominance in new communities. As far of the project, an undocumented morphological difference was seen. Claw length was longer within the invasive populations. While these turtles use claws during reproductive bouts, it is unclear to the advantage of the claw length in these invasive turtles. By integrating hormonal and morphological data within an ecological framework, this study demonstrates phenotypic resilience as a potential driver of invasion success and provides new insights into how invasive species navigate and reshape ecological landscapes.

日本生態学会