Project:

The Diversity of the Species Found in the Forge and Peconic Rivers

Students:

John Sepe, Sarah Dunn, Savannah Haushalter

School:

Eastport South-Manor High School, Suffolk

Mentors:

James Ostensen

Abstract:

The aim for our DNA Barcoding Peconic and Forge River Research Project is to identify novel species, learn about the two rivers in general, and compare specie diversity. At the Forge River we collected a variety of organisms (Terrestrial and Aquatic) for the purpose of identifying a novel species. We collected insects that appeared to be sand fleas to crustaceans which appeared to be crabs. In order to identify a new species we need to take a closer look at the DNA of each organism, which will require DNA barcoding. The barcodes will allow us to compare the organisms we collected so that we can also take a look at the biodiversity in the Forge River. With the barcodes and the identified organisms, we can determine if there are problems in the rivers evidenced by the species present.

Poster:

Team samples: