Morrison Cheryl L.

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Morrison
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Cheryl L.
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  • Preprint
    Testing the depth-differentiation hypothesis in a deepwater octocoral
    ( 2015-03) Quattrini, Andrea M. ; Baums, Iliana B. ; Shank, Timothy M. ; Morrison, Cheryl L. ; Cordes, Erik E.
    The depth-differentiation hypothesis proposes that the bathyal region is a source of genetic diversity and an area where there is a high rate of species formation. Genetic differentiation should thus occur over relatively small vertical distances, particularly along the upper continental slope (200-1000 m) where oceanography varies greatly over small differences in depth. To test whether genetic differentiation within deepwater octocorals is greater over vertical rather than geographic distances, Callogorgia delta was targeted. This species commonly occurs throughout the northern Gulf of Mexico at depths ranging from 400-900 m. We found significant genetic differentiation (FST=0.042) across seven sites spanning 400 km of distance and 400 m of depth. A pattern of isolation by depth emerged, but geographic distance between sites may further limit gene flow. Water mass boundaries may serve to isolate populations across depth; however, adaptive divergence with depth is also a possible scenario. Microsatellite markers also revealed significant genetic differentiation (FST=0.434) between C. delta and a closely-related species, C. americana, demonstrating the utility of microsatellites in species delimitation of octocorals. Results provided support for the depth-differentiation hypothesis, strengthening the notion that factors co-varying with depth serve as isolation mechanisms in deep-sea populations.
  • Article
    Expanding our view of the cold-water coral niche and accounting of the ecosystem services of the reef habitat
    (Nature Research, 2023-11-09) Cordes, Erik E. ; Demopoulos, Amanda W. J. ; Davies, Andrew J. ; Gasbarro, Ryan ; Rhoads, Alexandria C. ; Lobecker, Elizabeth ; Sowers, Derek ; Chaytor, Jason D. ; Morrison, Cheryl L. ; Weinnig, Alexis M. ; Brooke, Sandra ; Lunden, Jay J. ; Mienis, Furu ; Joye, Samantha B. ; Quattrini, Andrea M. ; Sutton, Tracey T. ; McFadden, Catherine S. ; Bourque, Jill R. ; McClain-Counts, Jennifer P. ; Andrews, Brian D. ; Betters, Melissa J. ; Etnoyer, Peter J. ; Wolff, Gary A. ; Bernard, Bernie B. ; Brooks, James M. ; Rasser, Michael K. ; Adams, Caitlin
    Coral reefs are iconic ecosystems that support diverse, productive communities in both shallow and deep waters. However, our incomplete knowledge of cold-water coral (CWC) niche space limits our understanding of their distribution and precludes a complete accounting of the ecosystem services they provide. Here, we present the results of recent surveys of the CWC mound province on the Blake Plateau off the U.S. east coast, an area of intense human activity including fisheries and naval operations, and potentially energy and mineral extraction. At one site, CWC mounds are arranged in lines that total over 150 km in length, making this one of the largest reef complexes discovered in the deep ocean. This site experiences rapid and extreme shifts in temperature between 4.3 and 10.7 °C, and currents approaching 1 m s−1. Carbon is transported to depth by mesopelagic micronekton and nutrient cycling on the reef results in some of the highest nitrate concentrations recorded in the region. Predictive models reveal expanded areas of highly suitable habitat that currently remain unexplored. Multidisciplinary exploration of this new site has expanded understanding of the cold-water coral niche, improved our accounting of the ecosystem services of the reef habitat, and emphasizes the importance of properly managing these systems.