Project:

The Diversity of Oak Trees

Students:

Blake Haider, Ikram Agbagni, Ronghou Huang

School:

The Browning School,

Mentors:

Akira Wong

Abstract:

This Urban Barcoding Project investigates the biodiversity of oak tree species in New York City (NYC) over time. Focusing primarily on Central Park and extending to all five boroughs, the study intends to explore how the oak tree population has evolved and adapted in response to changing environmental conditions. With a backdrop of NYC's diverse urban landscape, the project utilizes DNA barcoding to identify and classify different oak tree species, linking genetic information with their habitat. The specific aims include understanding the impact of urbanization on oak tree populations, uncovering genomic changes, and exploring temporal dynamics to predict future trends. By examining the intersection of genetics and environment, the study seeks to provide valuable insights into the effects of climate change, human activities, and urban development on the biodiversity of oak trees in NYC, contributing to the preservation of crucial urban ecosystems.

Poster:

Team samples: