Project:

The effect of soil water saturation on the biodiversity of ant species

Students:

Brandon Haviken, Naseer Gaffoor, Max Martinez, Aidan Michaels

School:

Lynbrook High School, Nassau

Mentors:

Stoycho Velkovsky

Abstract:

Our experiment concerns the effect of soil water saturation on the biodiversity of ants. We will collect four samples of soil from Grant Park and extract ants from these samples. After that, we will extract their DNA and run gel electrophoresis on the fragments. Finally, we will compare our results to an ant genome database, which will allow us to determine what specific species of ants we have found. This experiment is relevant because soil water saturation throughout the world is constantly changing, and determining what type of soil ants prefer can help scientists better understand how ants function in today's ecosystem. Ants are one of the most populous organisms on Earth and impact the ecosystem in many different ways. Understanding their role today will be extremely helpful in determining how to best help protect them and maintain environmental balance.

Poster:

Team samples: