Diversity of Myxomycetes and Algae Associated with the Soils of Different Forest Types in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

This project will examine the diversity and co-occurrence of myxomycetes and algae (including cyanobacteria) in soils of different forest types in the GSMNP. Myxomycetes are common in soils; however, they have not yet been examined for this microhabitat in the Park. In addition, the algae of the Park have been surveyed only in aquatic habitats, leaving those associated with soils largely neglected. The overall objective is to characterize the assemblages of these organisms across the major forest types in the park (e.g., spruce-fir, cove hardwood, etc.). A secondary objective is to compare assemblages of these organisms between sites receiving relatively high inputs of pollutants versus similar sites receiving lower inputs. The project will involve at least one undergraduate from Lincoln Memorial University, TN and Ave Maria University, FL.