Soil Invertebrate Diversity in Winthrop University’s Succession Plots
School Name
Governor's School for Science and Mathematics
Grade Level
12th Grade
Presentation Topic
Zoology
Presentation Type
Mentored
Oral Presentation Award
1st Place
Abstract
The biodiversity of soil invertebrates that dwell in the four succession plots owned by Winthrop University, located in Rock Hill, South Carolina, is discussed. Samples were extracted using Berlese funnels and identified through stereomicroscope and scanning electron microscope pictures and pre-existing keys. They were also prepped for DNA analysis and sequenced, specifically the 18S ribosomal section of DNA. The most abundant species of soil invertebrates found in each plot were separated and sorted, then alpha and beta diversity tests were done to show the diversity between the plots. It was shown that the older of the plots were more diverse than the more recently established ones. The hypothesis that plots with larger year-of-establishments gaps are more diverse was also supported. Differences between not only number of unique species but also variation of families was examined. This information, along with the identification information collected, can be used to further understand soil fauna in the area, and the DNA sequencing data can be used in metabarcoding. This research was conducted at Winthrop University, funded in part by INBRE, and mentored by Dr. Julian Smith III.
Recommended Citation
Hardin, Amanda, "Soil Invertebrate Diversity in Winthrop University’s Succession Plots" (2018). South Carolina Junior Academy of Science. 104.
https://scholarexchange.furman.edu/scjas/2018/all/104
Location
Neville 122
Start Date
4-14-2018 12:15 PM
Presentation Format
Oral and Written
Soil Invertebrate Diversity in Winthrop University’s Succession Plots
Neville 122
The biodiversity of soil invertebrates that dwell in the four succession plots owned by Winthrop University, located in Rock Hill, South Carolina, is discussed. Samples were extracted using Berlese funnels and identified through stereomicroscope and scanning electron microscope pictures and pre-existing keys. They were also prepped for DNA analysis and sequenced, specifically the 18S ribosomal section of DNA. The most abundant species of soil invertebrates found in each plot were separated and sorted, then alpha and beta diversity tests were done to show the diversity between the plots. It was shown that the older of the plots were more diverse than the more recently established ones. The hypothesis that plots with larger year-of-establishments gaps are more diverse was also supported. Differences between not only number of unique species but also variation of families was examined. This information, along with the identification information collected, can be used to further understand soil fauna in the area, and the DNA sequencing data can be used in metabarcoding. This research was conducted at Winthrop University, funded in part by INBRE, and mentored by Dr. Julian Smith III.
