U.S.-Australia Cooperative Research: Mycetozoans Associated with Litter Microhabitats in Tropical Forests of Northern Queensland

Fairmont State University, Fairmont WV

Investigators

Abstract

0139547 Stephenson This award supports a collaborative research project between Professor Steven Stephenson of Fairmont State College and Dr. Ceridwen Pearce of the Australian Tropical Mycology Research Centre in Kuranda, Australia. The project will assess the biodiversity and ecology (including patterns of distribution, relative abundance, host/substrate associations, and interactions of different groups) of mycetozoans associated with litter microhabitats of tropical forests in northern Australia. Comparison of results with data from forests in the Northern Hemisphere will enrich our understanding of this little understood group of organisms. This project will benefit from the expertise and facilities of both the U.S. and Australian institutions, and will include the active participation of American students in the international collaboration.