Project:

The Fungus amungus: DNA barcode-based survey of fungal biodiversity in Central Park

Students:

Elias Strizower, Sarah Sutto-Plunz, Philip To, Tyler Bell

School:

Bronx High School of Science, The Bronx

Mentors:

Marisa Wagner

Abstract:

Fungi are of one of the most diverse taxonomic groups, but are not often studied. In fact, only 10% of fungi have been identified and studied (Hawksworth, 2001; Schmit and Mueller, 2007). New York City is home to various fungi, many of which can be found in the city’s main parks. Our project will specifically look at Central Park, the goal being to determine the biodiversity of winter mushrooms within the park grounds. We will determine the biodiversity by collecting small samples of different mushrooms and first identifying them with a preliminary taxonomic assessment, then preparing the samples to be sent off for sequencing. This will help us sequence and identify new fungi that may not yet be in the database, or fungi that are already in the database and will ultimately help us catalog the biodiversity of winter mushrooms in Central Park.

Poster:

Team samples: