Project:

The Effect of Pollution on the Biodiversity of Ants

Students:

Zinab Mohamed, Tenzin Ghongwatsang, Diana Flores

School:

Forest Hills High School, Queens

Mentors:

Lisa Tarpinian

Abstract:

The biodiversity of ants will be explored in relation to particulate matter pollution. Ant samples will be collected from 2 locations, Madison Avenue and Harlem River Park. An airbeam scanner which we have obtained from our teacher will be used to measure the particulate matter in each sample location. The DNA will be extracted, amplified and barcoded. The barcode will be analyzed to determine the biodiversity of the area. The level of pollution and ant biodiversity will be examined to determine if there is a relationship present.

Poster:

Team samples: