Project:

Species diversity of moss genus Schistidium in Westchester county, NY

Students:

Marley Jennings, Zinia Sajjad, Daniella Anane-Sarfo

School:

The Ursuline School, Other

Mentors:

Oxana Litvine

Abstract:

Moss is a spore bearing, nonvascular species that plays a vital role in the environment. Because moss is so absorbent, it contributes to controlling water levels and preserving soil moisture. Moss also helps the environment by creating a stable habitat for other surrounding plants to thrive. During our project we will collect various samples of moss with the genus Schistidium from three locations in Westchester County. These locations include, The Bronx River Parkway, The Leatherstocking Trail, and Pinebrook Blvd. We will then initially identify these species using iNaturalist and paper field guides. After the initial identification we will DNA barcode each specimen to receive the most accurate results. The goal of our project is to use DNA barcoding to properly identify the diversity of moss species under the Schistidium genus in Westchester County.

Poster:

Team samples: