Project:

The Effect Mute Swans Have on Biodiversity

Students:

Mina Sarmas, Daniella Vetrano, Julissa Rivera, Megan Zedalis

School:

Plainedge Senior High School, Nassau

Mentors:

Linda Waldbaum

Abstract:

DNA Barcoding is used to determine the species of the collected organism. This process will allow us to measure biodiversity of the Massapequa Preserve, where there is a growing population of mute swans. These swans are aggressive and territorial, therefore forcing native species out of their habitats. The abundance of non-migratory mute swans in an area will lead to a constant feeding on the same plants and organisms. New York is currently trying to reduce the population, however, they receive a strong opposition from the public. This project may provide further information on the negative effects of the mute swans and can be used to persuade people to allow the state to control the mute swan population. We aim to determine if a greater population of mute swans will result in a lesser biodiversity, compared to an area with a scarce amount of swans by sequencing the DNA of the collected aquatic invertebrates in an effort to characterize and measure biodiversity.

Poster:

Team samples: