Dr. Chris McAllister’s General Biology (1406 Honors) class (pic) has been involved this fall semester in studying the geographic distribution of tardigrades (see pic) in several counties of East Texas. Tardigrades or “water bears” are interesting microscopic organisms found in both terrestrial and aquatic environments on lichens and mosses. Little to nothing is known about their distribution in the eastern part of Texas. Thus far, students have discovered several new county records, the first of its kind in this part of the state. The goal is to publish these records in a scientific journal. Students were required to collect samples, keep individual journals of the collections, and to write a final report. Just another fine example of community college student’s doing scientific research at NTCC.
To learn more about biology classes at NTCC and possible research opportunities, please contact McAllister at 903-434-8286 or cmcallister@ntcc.edu.
