- Year 2017
- NSF Award #1136414
- Registration Master Teaching Fellow
- First Name Holly
- Last Name Dunderdale
- Discipline Biology
- Institution Southern Illinois University Carbondale
- School Name and District Currently Teaching Sesser-Valier CUSD 196
Abstract
Phylum Tardigrada is comprised of eight-legged, microscopic animals that require an aquatic/semi-aquatic habitat. They are described as limnoterrestrial (i.e. tardigrades are often found residing in mosses, lichens, and leaf litter). The purpose of this study was to investigate tardigrade diversity and population density within moss samples on various habitat substrates (sandstone, limestone, and organic substrates). Populations were be sampled from various locations in Southern Illinois, an area that tardigrade identification has been underrepresented. Initial samples were collected from January to May by the Noyce Master Teacher and her mentor; additional samples were gathered in June by Noyce teachers participating in a summer research experience. Moss samples were collected from substrates at or above 3 feet from the ground and were large enough to fill a standard sized petri dish. Moss samples were then be rehydrated in the lab and microorganisms were isolated from the samples. Tardigrade population and species will be established for each of the samples collected. Initial survey results indicate that tardigrade populations are greatest on mosses collected from limestone samples.
