Project:

Examining the relationship between tree health and the biodiversity of tree-dwelling lichens in Shu Swamp using DNA Barcoding

Students:

Charli Zahtila, Kody Mitchell

School:

Friends Academy, Nassau

Mentors:

Jennifer Newitt

Abstract:

Lichen are symbiotic organisms made up of a fungus and a green algae and they are self-sustaining. It’s a common misconception that lichens are harmful to trees because they are often observed on unhealthy and deceased trees, however, lichens do not cause harm to the trees they inhabit. Lichens can be keystone species depending on the surrounding ecosystem and it’s important they aren’t removed from the environment to allow for the diversity of other organisms in the environment to flourish. (NPS). Lichens serve as a food source, provide materials for many animals, and protect trees and rocks from extreme elements such as rain, wind, and snow. Lichen are also good indicators of air pollution (George H. Daniel). Our team aims to identify lichen species, improve awareness of the benefits of lichen to the ecosystem, and illustrate the importance of having unmanaged forests with aging trees and dead wood that support the biodiversity of lichen species. 20 lichen specimens will be col

Poster:

Team samples: