Project:

Beetles as an Indicator Species

Students:

Lauren Kennedy, Isabella Robles, Christopher McDermott

School:

St Dominic's High School, Nassau

Mentors:

Melissa Cipriano

Abstract:

Beetles can be perceived as being indicators of habitat, environmental, and pollution issues. By examining biodiversity and species evenness of beetles, one can determine the presence of harmful components. According to the National Institute of Health, carabid beetles can be considered indicator species for the presence of heavy metals, specifically cadmium and zinc, vegetation loss, food shortage, and temperature. To test this finding, former Superfund sites, areas experiencing heavy contamination as a result of human activities, will be tested for the presence of pollution in addition to the collection and examination of numerous beetles from the immediate and surrounding areas. These sites include regions around Long Island, including areas such as the Syosset Landfill and Kenmark Textile Corporation.

Poster:

Team samples: