Project:

Larva of Insects! Assessing the Biodiversity of Aquatic and Terrestrial Insects near the Meadow-Willow Lake Region of Flushing M

Students:

Helen Wang, Christina Cheng, Mei Feng (Alice) Lin

School:

Francis Lewis High School, Queens

Mentors:

Jessica Cohen

Abstract:

DNA barcoding is a relatively new scientific technique used to accurately identify species by using a short, standardized DNA region. Due to visual similarities and alternating lifeforms, many insects are near impossible to identify through the use of taxonomy and DNA barcoding must be used instead. Using COI as a universal barcode, biodiversity of both the terrestrial and aquatic insects around the Meadow-Willow Lake Region of Flushing Meadow Corona Park will be assessed. By utilizing DNA barcoding, mass cataloging of fauna will follow.

Poster:

Team samples: