Your path towards ecological understanding

Woodland salamanders; indicators of a healthy forest?

June 2, 2020 Antonio Seelman

Red-backed salamander (Plethodon cinereus)

Red-backed salamanders are some of the most abundant vertebrates living on the forest floor. In New York State alone, there is an estimated 18 billion of them! These tiny creatures play big roles in ecosystems everywhere and their abundance can be used as an environmental indicator of forest health/age. Learn more about these animals by reading this article written by my former student Antonio Seelman!

Lichens as bioindicators in volcanic areas

August 16, 2019 Philip Pinzone

Lichens accumulate the elements emitted from volcanoes. Volcanoes around the world spew the distinct elements of the lithosphere they are resting on. From the bottom up, these abiotic factors shape plant and fungal assemblages, laying down the first filter for biological interactions.

Thelephora caryophyllea; the carnation earthfan

November 9, 2018 Philip Pinzone

Thelephora caryophyllea. Photo by Igor Yevdokimov. — *Thelephora caryophyllea*. Photo by Igor Yevdokimov.

The carnation earthfan is a unique looking small species of fungus, that provides us with an important ecological service. Bioindicators are incredible tools ecologists all over the world utilize.