Project:

Molecular Characterization of the COI Gene and DNA Barcode Generation in Four Common Coquí Species of Puerto Rico (Eleutherodac

Students:

Chriszayrib Pabón Rivera, Bryan Jeankarlo Vázquez Cartagena

School:

Benjamin Harrison Vocational High School, Other

Mentors:

Charles Anthony Marzant Ortiz

Abstract:

Amphibians of the genus Eleutherodactylus constitute a fundamental component of Puerto Rico’s terrestrial biodiversity and represent a group of high ecological, taxonomic, and evolutionary values. However, identification based exclusively on morphological and acoustic characters may be limited in species with small body size, phenotypic variation, and ecological overlap, as occurs in several common coquí species on the island. In this context, the present study proposes genetic characterization through DNA barcoding of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene in four representative species: the Common Coquí (Eleutherodactylus coqui), the Churí Coquí (E. antillensis), the Grass Coquí (E. brittoni), and the Pitito Coquí (E. cochranae). Sampling will be conducted across different habitats in Puerto Rico, including open areas, secondary forests, and urban environments, under a strict capture-and-release protocol. Preliminary identification of individuals will be

Poster:

Team samples:

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