Document Type

Honors Project

First Advisor

Dr. Robyn Puffenbarger

Degree Award Date

Fall 2019

Keywords

biodiversity, amphibian, salamander, eDNA, PCR

Disciplines

Biology | Environmental Sciences

Abstract

The rapid decline of amphibian biodiversity is alarming for species and environmental health reasons. As a result, there is a need to gain knowledge about amphibian species abundance and distribution. This study specifically focuses on the salamander species present in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Previous surveys conducted have not produced a comprehensive view of the specific present. A survey was designed to use eDNA methods to collect this data, in which eDNA samples would be amplified using PCR followed by barcoding to determine the amphibian species found. The primer sets in the study included COI-CO2 and COI-CO4, Chmf4 and Chmr4, and LEP-F1 and LEP-R1. This research was met with unexpected results in the control trials that will require further study to resolve before eDNA can be analyzed.

Recommended Citation

Tumminello, Emilia. " A Survey of Amphibian Species in the Mid- Atlantic.” Senior Honors Projects, Bridgewater College, 2019.

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