Survey of Tardigrade Diversity in Cincinnati, OH
Start Date
2023 4:00 PM
Location
Alter Hall Poster Session 2 - 2nd floor
Abstract
This study was performed to assess tardigrade (Tardigrada) diversity in the localized Cincinnati area of Xavier University in response to a shortage of similar studies in recent years. It was expected to find a wide variety of genera and species in predominantly moss samples along with auxiliary tardigrades in lichen. Collections of moss and lichen were obtained from Xavier University with a variety of heights above ground level, types of tree, specific locations, and cardinal directionalities. Results indicate that tardigrade concentration was highest in lichen samples as opposed to moss, and tardigrade genera and species diversity was lower than projected; the species Macrobiotus hufelandi was most bountiful in comparison to other genera and species. Although outdated, the most recent study done in 1986 also supports the finding of Macrobiotus hufelandi as the most common species in the area. In future studies, we will expand our survey area and continue to monitor tardigrade diversity in the immediate area.
Survey of Tardigrade Diversity in Cincinnati, OH
Alter Hall Poster Session 2 - 2nd floor
This study was performed to assess tardigrade (Tardigrada) diversity in the localized Cincinnati area of Xavier University in response to a shortage of similar studies in recent years. It was expected to find a wide variety of genera and species in predominantly moss samples along with auxiliary tardigrades in lichen. Collections of moss and lichen were obtained from Xavier University with a variety of heights above ground level, types of tree, specific locations, and cardinal directionalities. Results indicate that tardigrade concentration was highest in lichen samples as opposed to moss, and tardigrade genera and species diversity was lower than projected; the species Macrobiotus hufelandi was most bountiful in comparison to other genera and species. Although outdated, the most recent study done in 1986 also supports the finding of Macrobiotus hufelandi as the most common species in the area. In future studies, we will expand our survey area and continue to monitor tardigrade diversity in the immediate area.
