Urban Barcode Project Team The BookWorms
Program:
Urban Barcode Project
Year:
2021-22
Research Topic:
Biodiversity & trade
Taxonomic Group Studied:
Animals: Invertebrate

Project:

Earthworm Biodiversity in Central Park
Students:
Serena Kesha, Caroline Cole, Courtney Clarke
School:
Marymount School of NY, Manhattan
Mentors:
Anne Kloimwieder

Abstract:

Earthworms will be collected from various areas near the Bridle Path in Central Park to determine the degree of biodiversity, and this data will be used to analyze overall trends. These samples will be collected, their DNA extracted using the Chelex method and sequenced, and data uploaded to a larger database. With this information it can be determined how human activity impacts the biodiversity of worm species found in Central Park. We hypothesize that there will be more biodiversity in plant-dense and nutrient rich areas that are further away from human activity, as well as in soil that is moist and integrated with tree litter.

Poster:

DNA Barcoding Poster
View team poster (PDF/PowerPoint)

Team samples: