Abstract

Using a simple planarian trap to capture planarians, we selected eight locations local to the University of Massachusetts Amherst, to set up the planarian traps. Upon collection of the specimens at these different locations, along with the observation of the any vegetation, deadfall, sunlight, water flow speed,and soil make up, we will identify the different species of planarians using size, color and head shape. Once identified, we will observe if there is a correlation between the species that inhabit the body of water with the environmental and aquatic characteristics mentioned, or if there is no correlation between these variables. In the end determining two main points, the species richness and diversity and if it correlates with environmental factors or not.