Duffy, J.E., Morrison, C.L., and Rios, R., 2000, Multiple origins of eusociality among sponge-dwelling shrimps (Synalpheus): Evolution v. 54, no 2, p. 503-516.
Cheryl L Morrison, Ph.D.
Biography
Intro
Cheryl Morrison is a Research Geneticist at the USGS Leetown Science Center, National Fish Health Laboratory in the Eastern Panhandle of WV. Cheryl received a B.S. degree in Marine Biology from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington (1991) and her Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from Florida State University (1997). Since joining the USGS in 2002, her research has involved the application of conservation genetics and genomics techniques to species at risk. Cheryl has worked on a variety of species from aquatic habitats such as freshwater rivers (Atlantic salmon, darters and mussels), and vulnerable deep-sea ecosystems on the U.S. continental slope (deep-sea corals, cold seeps and canyons). Such deep-sea ecosystems remain poorly characterized yet are vulnerable to natural and anthropogenic disturbances. Studies of genetic connectivity among populations of dominant, habitat-forming coral species inform marine spatial planning for effective stewardship of natural resources.
Education
- Ph.D. 1997, Florida State University
- B.S., 1991, University of North Carolina, Wilmington, Major: Marine Biology
Current Position
Dr. Morrison is a principal investigator for multiple studies that aim to describe biodiversity, assess taxonomic status, define units of conservation, and determine dispersal pathways of marine invertebrates and invasive species. A focus of Dr. Morrison’s research has been the description of biodiversity and connectivity in vulnerable deep-sea ecosystems on the U.S. continental slope. Such ecosystems remain poorly characterized, yet are vulnerable to natural and anthropogenic disturbances. Studies of genetic connectivity among populations of dominant, habitat-forming coral species may inform marine spatial planning for effective stewardship of natural resources.
Professional Experience:
- 2006-2010: Geneticist, USGS Leetown Science Center
- 2002-2006: Biologist, USGS Leetown Science Center
- 2000-2001: Post-doctoral Research Associate, Aquaculture Genetics and Breeding Technology Center, Virginia Institute of Marine Science, College of William and Mary
- 1999-2000: Post-doctoral Research Associate, Virginia Institute of Marine Science, College of William and Mary
- 1997-1999: Post-doctoral Research Associate, Duke University
Affiliations:
- 2018-Present, Affiliate Faculty, Environmental Science and Policy Department, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA.
Awards
- The U.S. Department of the Interior's Partnership Conservation Award, 2007 (Chemo III Study: Investigations of Chemosynthetic Communities on the Lower Continental Slope of the Gulf of Mexico)
- The National Oceanographic Partnership Program’s Excellence in Partnering for 2011 (Lophelia II Study: Exploration and Research of Northern Gulf of Mexico Deepwater Natural and Artificial Hard Bottom Habitats with Emphasis on Coral Communities: Reefs, Rigs and Wrecks). See: http://soundwaves.usgs.gov/2012/12/awards.html
- U.S. Department of the Interior's Partners in Conservation Award 2013 (Mid-Atlantic Canyons Study).
Science and Products
Date published: September 9, 2020
Status: Active USGS Role in DEEP SEARCH: Deep Sea Exploration to Advance Research on Coral, Canyon, and Cold-seep Habitats
USGS scientists are collaborating with multiple agencies to provide the esssential foundation for understanding these deep-sea environments.
Date published: August 30, 2019
Status: Active DISCOVRE: Diversity, Systematics and Connectivity of Vulnerable Reef Ecosystems
DISCOVRE (DIversity, Systematics and COnnectivity of Vulnerable Reef Ecosystems) is an integrated, multidisciplinary, international effort investigating the unique and fragile deep-sea coral environments from the microscopic level to the ecosystem level.
Date published: April 11, 2019
Status: Active Genetic connectivity among regional populations of red tree corals (Primnoa pacifica) in the North Pacific Ocean
Knowledge of the degree to which populations are connected through larval dispersal is imperative to effective management, yet little is known about larval dispersal capability or population connectivity in Primnoa pacifica, an important habitat forming octocoral on the outer continental shelf and upper slope in the Gulf of Alaska. Red tree corals can reach massive size (up to 5m...
Contacts: Cheryl L Morrison, Ph.D.
Date published: April 11, 2019
Status: Active Conservation Genetics and Genomics of the Narrowly Endemic Island Marble Butterfly Euchloe ausonides insulanus
The island marble butterfly (Euchloe ausonides insulanus) was first discovered on Vancouver Island, Canada in 1861. Based on morphological characteristics, it has been described as a subspecies of Euchloe ausonides. After a collection was made in 1908 on Gabriola Island, Canada, the island marble was not seen again until 1998 on San Juan Island, Washington, USA. Recent...
Contacts: Cheryl L Morrison, Ph.D., Aaron Aunins, Ph.D.
Date published: April 9, 2019
Status: Active Genetic characterization of the clubshell species complex (Pleurobema clava and P. oviforme) for enhanced conservation
The diversity of freshwater mussels (family Unionidae) in the United States is unmatched in the rest of the world, yet this biodiversity is highly vulnerable, with more than 70% of recognized species considered to be either endangered, threatened, or of special concern. Most species inhabit limited ranges and have small (and/or often unknown) dispersal abilities due to reliance on specific...
Contacts: Cheryl L Morrison, Ph.D.
Date published: April 9, 2019
Status: Active Deepwater Atlantic Habitats II: Continued Atlantic Research and Exploration in Deepwater Ecosystems with Focus on Coral, Canyon, and Seep Communities. Part II: Genetic Connectivity and Oceanomic Studies
This study utilizes genetics and genomics techniques to characterize biodiversity and genetic connectivity among deep-sea coral habitats and cold seeps in and near submarine canyons and will use environmental DNA techniques to characterize plankton diversity and to identify key contributors to carbon export from surface waters that sustain sensitive benthic communities. The proposed genetics...
Contacts: Cheryl L Morrison, Ph.D.
Date published: February 2, 2018
Status: Active Deep-Sea Coral Ecosystems
Although out of sight to most, a diverse array of coral species thrive deep below the photic zone off U.S. coasts and worldwide. Deep-sea corals can be found at depths greater than 50m, where sunlight does not penetrate. Similar to shallow-water corals, larger sea fan and reef-forming deep-sea coral species create structural complexity in the deep sea, attracting fishes and invertebrates that...
Contacts: Cheryl L Morrison, Ph.D.
Year Published: 2019
Phenotypic plasticity or a reproductive dead end? Primnoa pacifica (Cnidaria: Alcyonacea) in the southeastern Alaska region
Red tree corals (Primnoa pacifica) are abundant in the eastern Gulf of Alaska, from the glacial fjords of Southeast Alaska where they emerge to as shallow as 6 m, to the continental shelf edge and seamounts where they are more commonly found at depths greater than 150 – 500 m. This keystone species forms large thickets, creating habitat for many...
Waller, Rhian G.; Stone, Robert P.; Rice, Lauren; Johnstone, Julia; Rossin, Ashley M.; Hartill, Elise; Feehan, Keri; Morrison, Cheryl
Year Published: 2019
Windows to the deep 2018: Exploration of the southeast US Continental margin
Windows to the Deep 2018: Exploration of the Southeast US Continental Margin was a 36-day expedition aboard NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer to acquire data on priority exploration areas identified by the ocean management and scientific communities. This expedition involved high-resolution multibeam sonar mapping and ROV dives, ranging from 340 m to 3,...
Sautter, Leslie R; Morrison, Cheryl L.; Cantwell, Kasey; Sowers, Derek; Lobecker, Elizabeth
Year Published: 2019
Molecular characterization of Bathymodiolus mussels and gill symbionts associated with chemosynthetic habitats from the U.S. Atlantic margin
Mussels of the genus Bathymodiolus are among the most widespread colonizers of hydrothermal vent and cold seep environments, sustained by endosymbiosis with chemosynthetic bacteria. Presumed species of Bathymodiolus are abundant at newly discovered cold seeps on the Mid-Atlantic continental slope, however morphological taxonomy is challenging, and...
Coykendall, Dolly (Katharine); Cornman, Robert S.; Prouty, Nancy G.; Brooke, Sandra; Demopoulos, Amanda W. J.; Morrison, Cheryl L.Attribution: Leetown Science Center, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Ecosystems, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian
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Coykendall, D.K., Cornman, R.S., Prouty, N.G., Brooke, S., Demopoulos, A.W.J., and Morrison, C.L., 2019, Molecular characterization of Bathymodiolus mussels and gill symbionts associated with chemosynthetic habitats from the U.S. Atlantic margin: PLoS ONE, v. 14, no. 3, art. e0211616, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0211616.
Year Published: 2018
The complete maternal mitochondrial genome sequences of two imperiled North American freshwater mussels: Alasmidonta heterodon and Alasmidonta varicosa (Bivalvia: Unionoida: Unionidae)
The freshwater mussels Alasmidonta heterodon and A. varicosa historically inhabited rivers along the North American Atlantic coast from the Carolinas, U.S.A., to New Brunswick, CA. However, many populations have been extirpated, and A. heterodon is now federally listed in the U.S.A. as endangered, and both A....
Aunins, Aaron; Morrison, Cheryl L.; Galbraith, Heather; Eackles, Michael; Schill, W. Bane; King, Tim L.
Year Published: 2018
Comparison of microbiomes of cold-water corals Primnoa pacifica and Primnoa resedaeformis, with possible link between microbiome composition and host genotype
Cold-water corals provide critical habitats for a multitude of marine species, but are understudied relative to tropical corals. Primnoa pacifica is a cold-water coral prevalent throughout Alaskan waters, while another species in the genus, Primnoa resedaeformis, is widely distributed in the Atlantic Ocean. This study examined the...
Goldsmith, Dawn B.; Kellogg, Christina A.; Morrison, Cheryl L.; Gray, Michael A.; Stone, Robert P.; Waller, Rhian G.; Brooke, Sandra D.; Ross, Steve W.
Year Published: 2018
Genomic evolution, recombination, and inter-strain diversity of chelonid alphaherpesvirus 5 from Florida and Hawaii green sea turtles with fibropapillomatosis
Chelonid alphaherpesvirus 5 (ChHV5) is a herpesvirus associated with fibropapillomatosis (FP) in sea turtles worldwide. Single-locus typing has previously shown differentiation between Atlantic and Pacific strains of this virus, with low variation within each geographic clade. However, a lack of multi-locus genomic sequence data hinders...
Morrison, Cheryl L.; Iwanowicz, Luke R.; Work, Thierry M.; Fahsbender, Elizabeth; Breitbart, Mya; Adams, Cynthia R.; Iwanowicz, Deborah D.; Sanders, Lakyn; Ackermann, Mathias; Cornman, Robert S.Attribution: Fort Collins Science Center, Leetown Science Center, National Wildlife Health Center, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Ecosystems, Fish & Wildlife Disease, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian
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Morrison et al. (2018), Genomic evolution, recombination, and inter-strain diversity of chelonid alphaherpesvirus 5 from Florida and Hawaii green sea turtles with fibropapillomatosis. PeerJ 6:e4386; DOI 10.7717/peerj.4386
Year Published: 2018
The Pleurobemini (Bivalvia: Unionida) revisited: Molecular species delineation using a mitochondrial DNA gene reveals multiple conspecifics and undescribed species
The Pleurobemini (Bivalvia: Unionida) represent approximately one-third of freshwater mussel diversity in North America. Species identification within this group is challenging due to morphological convergence and phenotypic plasticity. Accurate species identification, including characterisation of currently unrecognised taxa, is required to...
Inoue, Kentaro; Hayes, David M.; Harris, John L.; Johnson, Nathan A.; Morrison, Cheryl L.; Eackles, Michael S.; King, Tim; Jones, Jess W.; Hallerman, Eric M.; Christian, Alan D.; Randklev, Charles R.Attribution: Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 2: South Atlantic-Gulf (Includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), Region 4: Mississippi Basin
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Inoue, K., Hayes, D.M., Harris, J.L., Johnson, N.A., Morrison, C., Eackles, M.S., King, T.L., Jones, J.W., Hallerman, E.M., Christian, A.D., and Randklev, C.R., 2018, The Pleurobemini (Bivalvia: Unionidae) revisited: molecular species delineation using a mitochondrial DNA gene reveals multiple conspecifics and undescribed species: Invertebrate Systematics, Accepted, http://www.publish.csiro.au/IS/justaccepted/IS17059.
Year Published: 2017
Deepwater Program: Lophelia II, continuing ecological research on deep-sea corals and deep-reef habitats in the Gulf of Mexico
The deep sea is a rich environment composed of diverse habitat types. While deep-sea coral habitats have been discovered within each ocean basin, knowledge about the ecology of these habitats and associated inhabitants continues to grow. This report presents information and results from the Lophelia II project that examined deep-sea coral habitats...
Demopoulos, Amanda W.J.; Ross, Steve W.; Kellogg, Christina A.; Morrison, Cheryl L.; Nizinski, Martha S.; Prouty, Nancy G.; Bourque, Jill R.; Galkiewicz, Julie P.; Gray, Michael A.; Springmann, Marcus J.; Coykendall, D. Katharine; Miller, Andrew; Rhode, Mike; Quattrini, Andrea; Ames, Cheryl L.; Brooke, Sandra D.; McClain-Counts, Jennifer P.; Roark, E. Brendan; Buster, Noreen A.; Phillips, Ryan M.; Frometa, JanessyAttribution: Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 2: South Atlantic-Gulf (Includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), Region 4: Mississippi Basin
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Demopoulos, A.W.J., Ross, S.W., Kellogg, C.A., Morrison, C.L., Nizinski, M., Prouty, N.G., Bourque, J.R., Galkiewicz, J.P., Gray, M.A., Springmann, M.J., Coykendall, D.K., Miller, A., Rhode, M., Quattrini, A., Ames, C.L., Brooke, S., McClain-Counts, J., Roark, E.B., Buster, N.A., Phillips, R.M., and Frometa, J., 2017, Deepwater Program: Lophelia II, continuing ecological research on deep-sea corals and deep-reef habitats in the Gulf of Mexico: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2017–1139, 269 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20171139.
Year Published: 2017
Deep-sea coral research and technology program: Alaska deep-sea coral and sponge initiative final report
Deep-sea coral and sponge ecosystems are widespread throughout most of Alaska’s marine waters. In some places, such as the central and western Aleutian Islands, deep-sea coral and sponge resources can be extremely diverse and may rank among the most abundant deep-sea coral and sponge communities in the world. Many different species of fishes and...
Rooper, Chris; Stone, Robert P.; Etnoyer, Peter; Conrath, Christina; Reynolds, Jennifer; Greene, H. Gary; Williams, Branwen; Salgado, Enrique; Morrison, Cheryl L.; Waller, Rhian G.; Demopoulos, Amanda W.J.Attribution: Leetown Science Center, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Ecosystems, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian
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Rooper,C, R. Stone, P. Etnoyer, C. Conrath, J. Reynolds, H.G. Greene, B. Williams, E. Salgado, C. Morrison, R. Waller, and A. Demopoulos. 2017. Deep-Sea Coral Research and Technology Program: Alaska Deep-Sea Coral and Sponge Initiative Final Report. NOAA Tech. Memo. NMFS-OHC-2, 65 p.
Year Published: 2017
Scleractinian coral biodiversity and patterns of inter-canyon connectivity among four coral species
No abstract available.
Morrison, Cheryl L.; Coykendall, D. Katharine; Springmann, Marcus J.; Shroades, Kelsey; Sanders, Lakyn R.; Waller, Rhian G.; Ross, Steve W.; Brooke, Sandra D.Attribution: Leetown Science Center, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Ecosystems, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian
View Citation
Morrison CL, Coykendall DK, Springmann MJ, Shroades KM, Sanders LR, Waller RG, Ross SW, Brooke SD. Scleractinian coral biodiversity and patterns of inter-canyon connectivity among four coral species. Chapter 14, In: CSA Ocean Sciences Inc. Ross S, Brooke S, Baird E, Coykendall E, Davies A, Demopoulos A, France S, Kellogg C, Mather R, Mienis F, Morrison C, Prouty N, Roark B, Robertson C. 2017. Exploration and Research of Mid-Atlantic Deepwater Hard Bottom Habitats and Shipwrecks with Emphasis on Canyons and Coral Communities: Atlantic Deepwater Canyons Study. Draft Report. Sterling (VA): U.S. Dept. of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Atlantic OCS Region. OCS Study BOEM 2017-060. 1,000 p. + apps.
Year Published: 2017
Low incidence of clonality in cold water corals revealed through the novel use of standardized protocol adapted to deep sea sampling
Sampling in the deep sea is a technical challenge, which has hindered the acquisition of robust datasets that are necessary to determine the fine-grained biological patterns and processes that may shape genetic diversity. Estimates of the extent of clonality in deep-sea species, despite the importance of clonality in shaping the local dynamics and...
Becheler, Ronan; Cassone, Anne-Laure; Noel, Philippe; Mouchel, Olivier; Morrison, Cheryl L.; Arnaud-Haond, SophieAttribution: Leetown Science Center, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Ecosystems, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian
View Citation
Becheler, R., et al., Low incidence of clonality in cold water corals revealed through the novel use of a standardized protocol adapted to deep sea sampling. Deep-Sea Res. II (2015), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.dsr2.2015.11.013i
Year Published: 2016
A phylogenetic perspective on diversity of Galatheoidea (Munida, Munidopsis) from cold-water coral and cold seep communities in the western North Atlantic Ocean
Squat lobsters (Galatheoidea and Chirostyloidea), a diverse group of decapod crustaceans, are ubiquitous members of the deep-sea fauna. Within Galatheoidea, the genera Munida and Munidopsis are the most diverse, but accurate estimates of biodiversity are difficult due to morphological complexity and cryptic diversity. Four species of Munida and...
Coykendall, D. Katharine; Nizinski, Martha S.; Morrison, Cheryl L.Pre-USGS Publications
Morrison, C.L., Harvey, A.W., Lavery, S., Tieu, K., Huang, Y., and Cunningham, C.W., 2002, Mitochondrial gene rearrangements confirm parallel evolution of the crab-like form: Proceedings of the Royal Society of London, Series B v. 269, no. 1489, p. 345-350. DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2001.1886
Duffy, J.E., Morrison. C.L., and Macdonald, K., 2002, Colony defense, division of labor, and productivity in the eusocial shrimp Synalpheus regalis: Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology v. 51, p. 488-495. DOI: 10.1007/s00265-002-0455-5
Morrison, C.L., Duffy, J.E., and Rios, R., 2004, Phylogenetic hypothesis suggests rapid radiation of Caribbean sponge-dwelling snapping shrimps (Synalpheus): Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, v. 30, p. 563-581. DOI: 10.1016/s1055-7903(03)00252-5
Carlsson, J., Morrison, C.L., and Reece, K.S., 2006, A wild population and aquaculture strain of the eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) compared using microsatellite markers: Journal of Heredity, v. 97, no. 6, p. 595-598. DOI: 10.1093/jhered/esl034
Hare, M.P., Allen, S.K., Bloomer, P., Camara, M.D., Carnegie, R.B., Murfree, J., Luckenbach, M., Meritt, D., Morrison, C.L., Paynter, K., Reece, K.S., and Rose, C., 2006, A genetic test for recruitment enhancement after supplementation with a disease tolerant oyster strain (Crassostrea virginica) in Chesapeake Bay: Conservation Genetics, v. 7, no. 5, p. 717-734. DOI: 10.1007/s10592-005-9108-3