Project:

DNA Barcoding of Aquatic Macroinvertebrates

Students:

Isla Sikinger, Anya McGrath

School:

Massapequa Ames High School, Nassau

Mentors:

August Eberling

Abstract:

The investigation run was to determine what aquatic invertebrates live in the local rivers and creeks. The collected data received during the investigation holds importance because it will be added to ecological historical data of the area. If we collect a limited number of samples then we can receive a better understanding of biodiversity in the Massapequa Creek. When collecting specimens in the pond, hip waders were used to prevent water. Tweezers were used to remove the bark of rotting trees to collect specimens. The findings will hopefully lead to the discovery of different aquatic invertebrates species. Difficulties encountered in collecting the specimens was how fast some specimens were to grab. Another difficulty included was finding the specimens in the aquatic terrain because of the mud that camouflaged the specimens. What is anticipated in this project is how much biodiversity is there in a given area of the Massapequa Preserve.

Poster:

Team samples: