Project:

Barcode Long Island Project Proposal

Students:

Shubra Sharma, Chad Bonitto, Michael Signarino

School:

Saint Francis Preparatory School, Queens

Mentors:

Casey Clark

Abstract:

The objective of this experiment is to observe the effects pesticides have on the biodiversity of life in Rochdale, Queens, by collecting insect species, classifying them, and comparing the species to an online database of documented insects in Long Island. This will be done by sampling invertebrate organisms in Rochdale Park. The aerial sprays used in Rochdale create the possibility of the discovery of a new species due to imbalances in the homeostasis of Rochdale. For example, a known species of insects could multiply in Rochdale if they have a greater tolerance of pesticides than their documented primary predators, so a pesticide-resistant, undocumented predator species could take root in the absence of competition around a post like Rochdale center. It is hoped that barcoding DNA will shed some light on the effects these pesticides have on biodiversity.

Poster:

Team samples: