Project:

Comparing Lichen Species Diversity Between Long Island's North and South Shores

Students:

Olga Markovic, Cody Strauss, Bobby Roth, Kennedy Abrahams

School:

Portledge School, Nassau

Mentors:

Kevin Coleman

Abstract:

This study wishes to investigate variations in lichen diversity, abundance, and distribution between the North Shore and South Shore of Long Island. Differences in abiotic factors, such as climate, air quality, and substrate composition, are hypothesized to influence lichen species diversity and distribution between the two regions. To conduct this study, three areas in a site in the North Shore and three areas from a site in the South Shore will be identified. Each site will be 5 meters long and wide, and every lichen sample found in that site will be identified and collected. Photographic documentation of lichen and their substrates (trees or rocks) and identification guides will be used to determine the species. Species identification will be confirmed through DNA barcoding techniques, including DNA isolation, PCR, and DNA sequencing. Our findings aim to provide insights into the environmental factors driving lichen diversity in coastal ecosystems.

Poster:

Team samples: