Painted Turtle (IMAGE) Iowa State University Caption Climate change threatens the painted turtle, a species that undergoes temperature-dependent sex determination. Research led by Nicole Valenzuela indicates that warming temperatures, as well as wider fluctuations in temperature, could lead to a demographic collapse of the painted turtle. Credit Nicole Valenzuela Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.