Urban Barcode Project Team Louis and Alex
Program:
Urban Barcode Project
Year:
2019-20
Research Topic:
Wildlife
Taxonomic Group Studied:
Plants

Project:

Oak Trees and Soil Quality across Central Park
Students:
Louis Mullarkey, Alex Chin
School:
Friends Seminary, Manhattan
Mentors:
Hassan Wilson

Abstract:

Central Park’s ecosystem remains one of the most arboreal biodiverse out of any city park, with more than 170 different species of trees and almost 20,000 trees total. Trees are one of, if not the most important component to the modern ecosystem. There are more than 3 trillion trees on earth, and each one can serve as a habitat for several animals. They absorb carbon, stabilize soil, and prevent global warming.​ ​ However, certain trees thrive in certain environments. The primary objective of this proposal is to identify any correlation between tree species, soil pH level, and soil water content. We will use DNA barcoding to identify the species of trees and conduct soil quality tests to determine the relationship between aspects of the soil to the species of trees which can grow within soil.

Poster:

Team samples: