Ayla Sisco

Mentor: Dr. Daelyn Woolnough
Research: Latitudinal Distribution of Freshwater Gastropod Assemblages in the Lower Tributaries of Lake Michigan

Freshwater gastropods are critically imperiled in North America and little information exists on the population dynamics of gastropod species. Information regarding population dynamics and distribution is necessary in advancing gastropod conservation. In the summer of 2024, samples were taken from the lower tributaries of Lake Michigan to collect data on invasive bivalves; however, within the samples, gastropods were also collected. These data were analyzed to inform population dynamics and presence of common and invasive gastropods along this latitudinal gradient. In total, there were 29,124 shells counted representing 8 out of 9 families being considered. These data are the first to characterize gastropods and their distribution in this region. Overall, these tributaries provide habitat for native gastropod families and show a low abundance of invasive gastropods.