Project:

Ants Ants Ants

Students:

Hayden Sofield

School:

Long Beach Senior High School, Nassau

Mentors:

Cody Onufrock

Abstract:

Ants are found on all continents other than Antarctica and show a wide variety of diversity. There are 128 native species in New York State alone. Understanding what ants are present can help humans because they affect us in many ways. Species of ants vary from habitat to habitat. Ants are vital members to the environment, Ants turn and aerate the soil, allowing water and oxygen to reach plant roots. Ants eat a wide variety of organic materials and provide food for many different organisms. Does the amount of ants in a grassy area correlate with the overall health of the grass? The amount of ant hills per square meter will be counted. In addition, the species of ants inhabiting the grass areas will be recorded to see if species also has an effect. Collection of ants can be done by leaving baits in areas where they are known to be active. Identification by key will be attempted, if failed DNA barcoding will be done.

Poster:

Team samples: