Project:

Assessing Lichen Biodiversity in Relation to Humidity and Weather Patterns

Students:

Hannah Antony Raj, Sophie Jamrozek, Tiffany Wang, Nadia Radi

School:

Connetquot High School, Suffolk

Mentors:

John Halloran

Abstract:

Lichens are made up of two different biological species, which are the fungus and alga. Lichens serve as an excellent bioindicator within the field of research7. In this project, the plan is to utilize selected lichens and barcode them. We are to doing this to determine if there is a correlation between light and lichen biodiversity. Lichen diversity is promoted by good air quality, habitat continuity, availability of preferred substrates, and favorable climate8. The light measured using a PAR meter will be utilized in data collection. This will help further an understanding of the effects that light has on this organism. Variations in DNA barcodes of lichens will demonstrate trends in species biodiversity and its relation to light exposure.9

Poster:

Team samples: