Project:

The Effects of Population Density of Moss Biodiversity

Students:

Nicholas Galvin Gusmano, Jaron Schachner, Caden Yang, Valentina Lopez

School:

Portledge School, Nassau

Mentors:

Kevin Coleman

Abstract:

This study's goal is to analyze and discover trends in the species of moss that inhabit two historically similar habitats that have since been altered by increased human settlement. We will be looking at how population density affects the biodiversity in the moss populations near a nature preserve in a densely populated area and a nature preserve in a less densely populated area. we will collect 10 samples from the Portledge School Campus, in Locust Valley, NY and 10 samples from Udalls Cove in Queens, NY. the characteristics, adaptations, and the historical trends in preferred environments of the species will be compared alongside the location where they were found. This will show us if and how certain species of moss have adapted to thrive in more or less polluted environments.

Poster:

Team samples: