Project Type MQP Submission date 2006-04-26 Author Virginia Elizabeth O'Connell, BIO URN E-project-042606-211719 Title Fragile Cryptobiotic Crusts of Desert Ecosystems Advisor Crusberg, Theodore C., BB Availability unrestricted Abstract
Cryptobiotic crusts, found in desert ecosystems, are responsible for fixing carbon and nitrogen and stabilizing soil by reducing erosion. Crusts were grown in a laboratory setting, simulating the temperature, sunlight, and amount of rainfall they would experience in a natural environment. The crusts are composed of combinations of three species of prokaryotic algae: Microcoleus, Scytonema and Nostoc, and were observed using epifluorescent microscopy.
Files voconnellmqp.pdf
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