Tardigrades are microorganisms capable of surviving extreme conditions and stressful environments.We are studying whether tardigrade abundance is affected by tree population density and how deforestation could be affecting the microorganism population.

To do this, we are taking 10 samples from 10 different trees in each of the three types of areas; High density, medium density, and low tree density areas. Lichen will be scraped from each tree directly into a sealed envelope. In the lab, each sample will be used to make a “tardigrade tea” by soaking the lichen in water and then straining water from the lichen into a separate petri dish. Using a microscope, we will count the number of tardigrades in each sample. We will then be able to determine whether a lack of trees has an impact on the amount of tardigrades living on them and whether or not deforestation could be impacting the planet on a micro-level.

Conclusion:

Based on our findings and calculations, we reject our hypothesis and conclude that tardigrades are more abundant in areas of lower tree density. Therefore, urbanization and low tree density positively impact the microorganism's population.

Discussion:

-Our Chi-square Goodness-of-Fit test confirmed that there were significant differences in tardigrade populations between the three densities, confirming that our data was accurate (p<0.0001).

-By addressing the possible link between tree density and tardigrade populations this study adds to previous work on the relationship between micro-environment population and human activity.

-Future research should investigate the possible modes of dispersal for tardigrade populations and determining which has the largest effect on tardigrade abundance.

-Lower tree density was correlated with higher tardigrade populations, this could be because tardigrades in the low density areas are more easily able to be dispersed by the wind, which is blocked in areas of higher tree density.

-It is also possible that because areas of high tree density (forests) have more lichen collectively, tardigrades disperse more evenly, making population on individual trees lower in these areas. With this logic, less lichen to choose from in low density areas would mean higher population concentrations.

-It is also possible that there is something about the environment of East Lansing, where these samples were taken, that is abnormal and led to these results.