Project:

Longitudinal study of Soil Invertebrate Diversity Impacted by Southern Pine Beetle

Students:

Gianna Simo, Eiman Rehman, Aanya Dhamija, Arlene Lopez

School:

N.Babylon HS Research DNA, Suffolk

Mentors:

john jaeger

Abstract:

Through a longitudinal investigation, this project explores the soil invertebrate richness influenced by the southern pine beetle deforestation in Long Island Pine barrens. By specifically comparing different sections of the Pine Barrens that have been impacted by the southern pine beetle across different time periods (10-0 years), while investigating the effects of climate-induced range extension on the composition and diversity of communities attacked by the southern pine beetle (Dendroctonus frontalis Zimmermann). Southern pine beetle range in Long Island, NY, where populations have persisted for the last decade(Kanaskie et al., 2023). The climate in the northeastern United States is anticipated to be ideal for the southern pine beetle growth across extensive regions of previously untouched woods. The harm that this insect pest poses to the pine forests of the northern United States under prolonged climate change is highlighted by rising annual temperature minima (Lesk et al., 2017)

Poster:

Team samples: