Wednesday, 4/6/2022

Presenter Information

April WolfeFollow

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University

Shawnee State University

Major

Biology-Biomedical Track

Student Type

Undergraduate Student

Presentation Types

Poster Presentation

Keywords:

linear methods, fungi, distribution, tree species

Abstract

The aim of this survey was to observe and document the diversity and distribution of fungal species in Shawnee State Forest, in Southern Ohio. The abundance and distribution of fungal species, as evident by persistent and ephemeral fruiting bodies during winter and early spring will be examined in relation to environmental growth factors using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Understanding factors that affect the distribution and abundance of these fungal species may be important for predicting the ecological dynamics of their symbiotic relationship with other plants. A series of linear transects were established in various sites of Shawnee State Forest which accounted for varied slopes, aspects, and elevations. Transects are ~122m long and allow for a continuous belt survey ~6m wide. All observations of fungal fruiting bodies found growing within those parameters have been documented along ecological data, including: tree species, tree condition and size, sunlight intensity, geographic location, aspect, and elevation. At time of submission, nearly thirty species of fungi have been documented and confirmed on the scientific platform iNaturalist using photos that have been certified as research grade. Preliminary trends have noted differences in aspect and common fungi-tree associations.

Human Subjects

no

IRB Approval

no

Faculty Mentor Name

Logan Minter

Faculty Mentor Title

Logan Minter, Ph.D.

Faculty Mentor Academic Department

Natural Sciences

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A field survey of fungal fruiting body species in Southern Ohio

The aim of this survey was to observe and document the diversity and distribution of fungal species in Shawnee State Forest, in Southern Ohio. The abundance and distribution of fungal species, as evident by persistent and ephemeral fruiting bodies during winter and early spring will be examined in relation to environmental growth factors using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Understanding factors that affect the distribution and abundance of these fungal species may be important for predicting the ecological dynamics of their symbiotic relationship with other plants. A series of linear transects were established in various sites of Shawnee State Forest which accounted for varied slopes, aspects, and elevations. Transects are ~122m long and allow for a continuous belt survey ~6m wide. All observations of fungal fruiting bodies found growing within those parameters have been documented along ecological data, including: tree species, tree condition and size, sunlight intensity, geographic location, aspect, and elevation. At time of submission, nearly thirty species of fungi have been documented and confirmed on the scientific platform iNaturalist using photos that have been certified as research grade. Preliminary trends have noted differences in aspect and common fungi-tree associations.