Project:

The effect of environmental conditions on lichens and their biodiversity on Long Island

Students:

Kimberly Cardinale, Giovanna Ciampa

School:

Cold Spring Harbor High School, Suffolk

Mentors:

Jaak Raudsepp

Abstract:

Lichens are a great indicator of air quality and can provide valuable information about the surrounding environment. This study aims to examine the effects of the environmental conditions on waterside and inland lichens located on Long Island. The goal is to compare the biodiversity of lichens based on the environmental conditions, such as humidity and soil pH, in the locations lichens were collected. Lichen grows on soil of both acidic and basic pH. The expectation is a more prosperous community of waterside lichens than inland lichens as lichens prefer humid climates.

Poster:

Team samples: