We are interested in uncovering the link between climate change and the mechanisms that drive invasion success to the functioning of ecosystems. Our research integrates field studies and cutting-edge molecular genomic tools to understand a variety of ecological and evolutionary questions in marine and terrestrial environments to better inform management and restoration.
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Ecological and conservation questions |
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- Habitat distribution- do environmental changes and species interactions drive invasion success?
- Novel microbes- what composition of novel microbes are associated with invasions?
- Genomic architecture- what abiotic and biotic processes influence invasive species' genomic architecture?
- Suitable habitat- how biological invasions alter suitable habitats for native species and alter ecosystem services?
Publications:
1. Chiquillo, K.L., Ebert, D.A., Slager, C.J., & Crow, K.D. The secret of the mermaid’s purse: Phylogenetic affinities within the Rajidae and the evolution of a novel reproductive strategy in skates. 2013. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 75, 245-251. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ympev.2014.01.012
2. Chiquillo, K.L., Barber, P.H & Willette, D.A. Fruits and flowers of the invasive seagrass Halophila stipulacea in the Caribbean Sea. Botanica Marina.109-112. https://doi.org/10.1515/bot-2018-0052
3. Willette, D.A., Chiquillo, K.L., Cross, C., Fong, P., Kelley, T., Toline, C.A., Zweng, R., & Muthukrishnan R. Growth and recovery after disturbance of a rapidly-expanding invasive seagrass. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jembe.2019.151265
4. Winters, G., Beer, S., Willette, D.A., Viana, I.G., Chiquillo, K.L., Beca-Carretero, P., Villamayor, B., Azacarate-García, T., Shem-Tov, R., Mwabvu, B., Migliore, L., Rotini, A., Oscar, M.A., Belmaker, J., Inbal, G., Alexandre, A., Engelen, A.H., Procaccini, G., Rilov, G. The Tropical Seagrass Halophila stipulacea; reviewing what we know from its native and invasive habitats, alongside identifying knowledge gaps. Frontiers in Marine Science. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2020.00300
5. Muthukrishnan, R., Chiquillo, K.L., Cross, C., Fong, P., Kelley, T., Toline, C.A., Zweng R., & Willette D.A. Little giants: A rapidly invading seagrass alters ecosystem functioning relative to native foundation species. Marine Ecology Progress Series. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-020-03689-8
6. Chiquillo, K.L., Mims, B.M., Chong, A.U., Johnson, C., Habtes, S., Fong, C.R., Barber, P.H., & Fong P. Herbivory may limit proximity of the seagrass Halophila decipiens to fringing reefs in Moorea, French Polynesia. Marine Ecology Progress Series. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquabot.2020.103294
7. Smulders, F.O.H., Chiquillo, K.L., Willette, D.A., Barber, P.H., Christianen, M.J.A. Inconclusive evidence of sexual reproduction of invasive Halophila stipulacea: a new field guide to encourage investigation of flower and fruit production throughout its invasive range. Botanica Marina. https://doi.org/10.1515/bot-2020-0046
8. Fong, C.R, Chiquillo, K.L., Gaynus, C.J., Grier, S.R., Ha, B.A., Ryznar, E.R., Smith, L.L., Sura, S.A., Anggoro, A.W., Moore, T.N., Fong, P. Flip it and reverse it: reasonable changes in designated controls can flip synergisms to antagonisms. Science of The Total Environment. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145243
9. Chiquillo, K.L., Ph.D. dissertation: Understanding the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of tropical seagrasses and the factors driving habitat distribution. Available from ProQuest Dissertations & Theses A&I; ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global. (2610893536). https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/understanding-ecological-evolutionary-dynamics/docview/2610893536/se-2
10. Chiquillo, K.L., Vasquez, M.L., Cruz-Rivera, E., Winters, G., Barber, P.H., & Fong, P. League of Seagrasses: the outcome of interspecific interactions between native versus invasive seagrasses shows a positive effect on the invasive, Halophila stipulacea. Oikos. https://doi.org/10.1111/oik.09403
11. Beca-Carretero, P., Winters, G., Teichberg, M., Procaccini, G., Schneekloth, F., Zambrano, R., Chiquillo, K.L, Reuters, H. Climate change and the presence of invasive species will threaten the persistence of the Mediterranean seagrass community. Science of the Total Environment. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168675
12. Chiquillo, K.L., Wong, J.W., Eirin-Lopez J.M. Ecological forensic testing: Using multiple primers for eDNA detection of marine vertebrates. Ecological Indicators. In review
