Barcode Long Island Team Lichen Lads
Program:
Barcode Long Island
Year:
2018-19
Research Topic:
Wildlife
Taxonomic Group Studied:
Lichen

Project:

A Study of the Diversity of Lichens Found in Long Beach, New York
Students:
Benjamin Armus, Daniel O'Connor
School:
Long Beach High School, Nassau
Mentors:
Cody Onufrock

Abstract:

Lichen is an organism that is created through symbiosis, specifically with a fungus and a photosynthetic organism, according to the USDA (Jovan, 2008). This, among other things such as its ability to exist in many climates and its sensitivity to pollution, make it a fascinating organism. It has been found that lichen grows less frequently in close proximity to cities with large amounts of pollution (Brodo 1966). Long Island has been found to have an AQI (air quality index) of 101 - 150, which is unhealthy for sensitive groups, like lichen. The study we are performing is being conducted in Long Beach, Lido Beach, and Point Lookout, which is on Long Island, and is fairly close to industrial Brooklyn, only 26 km away. This studies results point to there being little lichen diversity in Long Beach due to its proximity to Brooklyn, but barrier islands (like Long Beach) can often contain rare and interesting species of lichen. Lichen is poorly understood in the scientific community, especial

Poster:

DNA Barcoding Poster
View team poster (PDF/PowerPoint)

Team samples: