Project:

Biodiversity of Ants in our Homes

Students:

Houssainatou Jalloh, Mina Paul, Makaris Sarkodie

School:

Health Professions and Human Services,

Mentors:

Rocheli Apilan

Abstract:

Ants are insects that we see in our everyday lives. Ants benefit us in many ways, although we do not recognize the potential they have. In this research, we will be using the DNA barcoding to determine the biodiversity of ants. Determining the biodiversity of ants is essential to find out how they live in our environment and how they vary from each other so we may be able to find ways to conserve them. DNA barcoding is a very useful tool in identifying the ants that are crawling in our apartments or homes. In our study, we will be collecting ants in different areas in our apartments, i.e., kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms. We will be using a small portion of sugar in a plastic container to aid us in attracting number of ants. DNA barcoding is essential for us to learn about the biodiversity of ants and so we can continue to conserve them.

Poster:

Team samples: