Barcode Long Island Team Brilli-ANT
Program:
Barcode Long Island
Year:
2020-21
Research Topic:
Wildlife
Taxonomic Group Studied:
Animals: Invertebrate

Project:

Examining how different environments affect the biodiversity of ants.
Students:
Hannah Meehan, Summer Perry, Kellyanne Moran
School:
Connetquot High School, Suffolk
Mentors:
John Halloran

Abstract:

“Identifying organisms has grown in importance as we monitor the biological effects of global climate change and attempt to preserve species diversity in the face of accelerating habitat destruction”1. Ants are an abundant species on Long Island, and are visibly present in the three towns Oakdale, Ronkonkoma, and Bohemia. The question my group is trying to answer is if the species diversity of the ants where the ants live differs significantly. The environment where ants live can greatly affect the amount of biodiversity present. The areas where we collected ants are in towns that are near major highways, railroads and buildings. Oakdale is closer to the water and is less industrial and more of just a regular suburban area, compared to Ronkonkoma which is more developed and has more industrial buildings and businesses. There are about 1.48 million people who live in Suffolk County and LI is densely packed people whose activities could be affecting their biodiversity. Using this res

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