Keenan Duggal ’23, Molecular Biology

Keenan Duggal ’23

Major

Molecular Biology

Project Title

Go to the Ant Thou Sluggard, Consider Her Ways Be Wise: Buffelgrass Seed Preferences, Predation and Dispersal in the Kenya Home Range by Messor Harvester Ants

I worked to further our understanding of harvester ant ecology with a particular focus on the ants’ preferences for the seeds of different grass species. Ideally, the data we collected will help determine whether harvester ants situationally help or hinder buffelgrass, a dry perennial grass that is an invasive species in the Southwestern United States. We designed a series of experiments that tested for preferential selection in different seed groupings. For each experiment, the field team took site pictures at multiple time points and sent them to me to analyze remotely. I later organized the data into charts and performed an ANOVA statistical significance test, which concluded that one or more of the seeds were being selected at a higher rate. More data will be needed to ultimately answer the buffelgrass question. In addition to vastly increasing my knowledge of harvester ants, this experience taught me valuable lessons in organization, data collection and patience. Most importantly, I experienced the value and meaningfulness that field research can have.