Photo of Marjorie Matocq, Extension

Marjorie Matocq

Professor

Summary

Projects in our lab focus on studying patterns of geographic population genetic structure and the processes underlying such patterns. Because the current geographic distribution of genetic diversity is determined by a complex interplay of ecology, demography, and population history, our studies are performed at various spatial and temporal scales. To study the processes underlying patterns of genetic diversity and subdivision, we combine modern molecular genetic techniques with morphological and field studies.

My research program is focused on a number of ecological and evolutionary questions at the interface of intra- and interspecific processes. My research program is heavily collections-based and integrates traditional field and morphological data with molecular and genomic methods to elucidate pattern and process at several spatial and temporal scales. The majority of my work continues to focus on members of the Neotoma fuscipes species complex.

Education

B.S., 1992, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, California
M.S., 1996, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, California
Ph.D., 2000, University of California, Berkeley, California

News & Journal Articles, Fact Sheets, Reports...

Journals
Detection of Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2 in the Pygmy Rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis) in Nevada, USA. Crowell, M., LaHue, N., Heath, E., Shoemaker, K., & Matocq, M. 2023, Journal of wildlife diseases, 59(2), 342–346
Pygmy rabbit habitat network reveals threats and opportunities for management and conservation. Dilts, Thomas E.; Zeller, Katherine A.; Cushman, Samuel A.; Larrucea, Eveline S.; Crowell, Miranda M.; Byer, Nathan W.; Shoemaker, Kevin T.; Matocq, Marjorie D. 2023, Landscape Ecology, Volume 38, pages 1971–1989
The gut microbiome reflects ancestry despite dietary shifts across a hybrid zone Nielsen, D. P., Harrison, J. G., Byer, N. W., Faske, T. M., Parchman, T. L., Simison, W. B., & Matocq, M. D. 2023, Ecology Letters, 26(1), 63-75
The gut microbiome reflects ancestry despite dietary shifts across a hybrid zone D.P. Nielsen, J.G. Harrison, N.W. Byer, T.M. Faske, T.L. Parchman, W.B. Simison, M.D. Matocq 2022, Ecology Letters. 26 (2022) 63–75
Trio-binned genomes of the woodrats Neotoma bryanti and Neotoma lepida reveal novel gene islands and rapid copy number evolution of xenobiotic metabolizing genes R. Greenhalgh, M.L. Holding, T.J. Orr, J.B. Henderson, T.L. Parchman, M.D. Matocq, M.D. Shapiro, M.D. Dearing 2022, Molecular Ecology Resources. 22 (2022) 2713–2731
Multigenerational backcrossing and introgression between two woodrat species at an abrupt ecological transition. Jahner, J. P., Parchman, T. L., & Matocq, M. D. 2021, Molecular Ecology, 30(17), 4245–4258
Lost in a sagebrush sea: comparative genetic assessment of an isolated montane population of Tamias amoenus KC Bell, J Van Gunst, MB Teglas, J Hsueh, MD Matocq 2021, Journal of Mammalogy, gyaa166
Differences in dietary composition and preference maintained despite gene flow across a woodrat hybrid zone. Nielsen, D. P., & Matocq, M. D. 2021, Ecology and Evolution, 11(9), 4909–4919
Fine-scale differentiation in diet and metabolomics of small mammals across a sharp ecological transition MD Matocq, K Ochsenrider, CS Jeffrey, D Nielsen 2020, Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution
Ideal conditions for increased trapping success of pygmy rabbits (Brachylagus idahoensis) across the Great Basin MM Crowell, KT Shoemaker, MD Matocq 2020, Journal of Mammalogy, Volume 101, Issue 6, December 2020, Pages 1736–1749
Can long-lived species keep pace with climate change? Evidence of local persistence potential in a widespread conifer. Sarah M. Bisbing; Alexandra K. Urza; Brian J. Buma; David J. Cooper; Marjorie Matocq; Amy L. Angert 2020, Diversity and Distributions, vol 27, iss2
Emerging genomic applications in mammalian ecology, evolution, and conservation PA Larsen, MD Matocq 2019, Journal of Mammalogy, Volume 100, Issue 3, 23 May 2019, Pages 786–801
The genetic legacy of 50 years of desert bighorn sheep translocations Jahner, J. Matocq, M., Malaney, J., Cox, M., Wolff, P., Gritts, A., Parchman, T. 2018, Evolutionary Applications 12(2) pg. 198-213
Landscape disturbance and sporadic hybridization complicate field identification of Sierran chipmunks. Frare, C., Matocq, M., Feldman, C., White, A., Manley, P., Jermstad, K., Hekkala, E. 2017, Journal of Wildlife Management, 81: 248–258. doi:10.1002/jwmg.21193
Multi-scale connectivity and graph theory highlight critical areas for conservation under climate change. Dilts, T., Weisberg, P., Leitner, P., Matocq, M., Inman, R., Nussear, K., Esque, T. 2016, Ecological Applications, 26, 1223-1237
Speciation along a shared evolutionary trajectory in Neotoma spp. Dochtermann, N., Matocq, M. 2016, Current Zoology, 62, 507-511
Impacts of climate change and renewable energy development on habitat of an endemic squirrel Xerospermophilus mohavensis in the Mojave Desert, USA. Inman, R., Esque, T., Nussear, K., Matocq, M., Leitner, P., Weisberg, P., Dilts, T. 2016, Biological Conservation, 200, 112-121
Parasite prevalence and community diversity in sympatric and allopatric populations of two woodrat species (Neotoma, Sigmodontinae). Bechtel, M., Teglas, M., Murphy, P., Matocq, M. 2015, Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 51, 162-172
Ongoing hybridization and asymmetric introgression in a narrow zone of contact between Neotoma fuscipes and N. macrotis. Coyner, B., Murphy, P., Matocq, M. 2015, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 115, 162-172.
Fine-scale genetic structure of woodrat populations (Genus: Neotoma) and the spatial distribution of their tick-borne pathogens. Foley, J., Rejmanek, D., Foley, C., Matocq, M. 2015, Ticks and tick-borne diseases, 7, 243-253.
Great Basin mammalian diversity through time. (vol. 95, pp. 1087-1089). Rowe, R., Matocq, M. 2014, Journal of Mammalogy.
Patterns of evolutionary divergence and convergence in the bushy-tailed woodrat, Neotoma cinerea, across Western North America. Hornsby, A., Matocq, M. 2013, Journal of Mammalian Evolution.
Is there room for all of us? Renewable energy and Xerospermophilus mohavensis. Inman, R., Esque, T., Nussear, K., Leitner, P., Matocq, M., Weisberg, P., Dilts, T., Vandergast, A 2013, Endangered Species Research Vol. 20: 1–18, 2013
Experimental evidence of asymmetric mate preference and hybridization across a woodrat (Neotoma) hybrid zone. Shurtliff, Q., Murphy, P., Yeiter, J., Matocq, M. 2013, BMC Evolutionary Biology, 13, 220.
Gene tweaking for conservation. Thomas, M., Roemer, G., Donlan, J., Dickson, B., Matocq, M., Malaney, J. 2013, Nature, 501, 485.
Reconstructing the evolutionary history of an endangered subspecies across the changing landscape of the Great Central Valley of California. Matocq, M., Kelly, P., Phillips, S., Maldonado, J. 2012, Molecular Evolution 2012 Dec;21(24):5918-33.
Regional genetic subdivision in the Mohave ground squirrel: evidence of historic isolation and ongoing connectivity in a Mojave Desert endemic Bell, K., Matocq, M. 2011, Animal Conservation, Volume 14, Issue 4, pages 371–381
Differential regional response of the bushy-tailed woodrat (Neotoma cinerea) to late Quaternary climate change Hornsby, A., Matocq, M. 2011, Journal of Biogeography
Development and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci in the Mohave ground squirrel (Xerospermophilus mohavensis) Bell, K. and M.D. Matocq 2010, Conservation Genetics Resources, DOI 10.1007/s12686-010-9229-y
Phylogeography of the ground squirrel subgenus Xerospermophilus and assembly of the Mojave Desert biota. Bell, K., D. Hafner, P. Leitner, and M.D. Matocq 2010, Journal of Biogeography, 37: 363-378
A microarray's view of life in the desert: adding a powerful genomics tool to the woodrat's midden. M.D. Matocq 2009, Molecular Ecology, 18: 2310-2312.
Eight polymorphic loci developed and characterized from Townsend's big-eared bat, Corynorhinus townsendii. Piaggio, A.J., K.E. Miller*, M.D. Matocq and S.L. Perkins 2009, Molecular Ecology Resources, 9: 258-260
Historic hybridization and persistence of a novel mito-nuclear combination in red-backed voles (Genus Myodes). Runck, A.M., M.D. Matocq, and J.A. Cook 2009, BMC Evolutionary Biology, 9: 114.
Phylogenetic relationships of the woodrat genus Neotoma (Rodentia: Muridae): implications for the evolution of phenotypic variation in male external genitalia. Matocq, M.D., Shurtliff, Q.R. & C.R. Feldman 2007, Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 42: 637-652.
Molecular evidence for historical and recent population size reductions of tiger salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum) in Yellowstone National Park. Spear, S.S., C.R. Peterson, M.D. Matocq, and A. Storfer 2006, Conservation Genetics 7: 605-611
Landscape genetics of the blotched tiger salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum melanostictium). Spear, S.S., C.R. Peterson, M.D. Matocq, and A. Storfer. 2005, Molecular Ecology 14: 2553-2564.
Reproductive success and effective population size in woodrats (Neotoma macrotis). Matocq, M.D. 2004, Molecular Ecology 13: 1635-1642.
Philopatry, kin clusters, and genetic relatedness in a population of woodrats (Neotoma macrotis). Matocq, M.D. and E.A. Lacey. 2004, Behavioral Ecology 15: 647-653.
Morphological and molecular analysis of a contact zone in the Neotoma fuscipes species complex. Matocq, M.D. 2002, Journal of Mammalogy 83: 866-883.
Phylogeographical and regional history of the dusky-footed woodrat, Neotoma fuscipes . Matocq, M.D. 2002, Molecular Ecology 11: 229-242.
Characterization of microsatellite loci in the dusky-footed woodrat, Neotoma fuscipes. Matocq, M.D. 2001, Molecular Ecology Notes 1: 194-196.
Genetic diversity in an endangered species: recent or historic pattern? Matocq, M.D. and F.X. Villablanca. 2001, Biological Conservation 98: 61-68.
Population genetic structure of two ecologically distinct Amazonian spiny rats: separating history and current ecology. Matocq, M.D., M.N.F. da Silva, and J.L. Patton. 2000, Evolution 54: 1423-1432
How isolated are Pleistocene refugia? Results from a study on a relict woodrat population from the Mojave Desert, California. Smith, F.A., M.D. Matocq, K.F. Melendez, A.M. Ditto, and P. Kelly. 2000, Journal of Biogeography 27: 483-500.
Microsatellites isolated from tuco-tucos (Ctenomys sp.). Lacey , E., J. Maldonado, J. Clabaugh, and M.D. Matocq. 1999, Molecular Ecology 8: 1754-1756.
Why do kangaroo rats (Dipodomys spectabilis) footdrum at snakes? Randall, J.A. and M.D. Matocq. 1997, Behavioral Ecology 8: 404-413.
Relationships and genetic purity of the endangered Mexican Wolf based on analysis of microsatellite loci. Garcia-Moreno, J., M.D. Matocq, M. Roy, E. Geffen, and R.K. Wayne. 1996, Conservation Biology 10: 376-389.
Presentations
Landscape Genetics of the Pygmy Rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis) across the Sagebrush Sea of the Great Basin. M Matocq, TE Dilts, E Larrucea, P Weisberg, M Crowell, KT Shoemaker 2019, American Fisheries Society & The Wildlife Society
Research Reports
Using physiologically-based models to predict population responses to phytochemicals by wild vertebrate herbivores Forbey, J.S., R. Liu, T.T. Caughlin, M.D. Matocq, J.A. Vucetich, K.D. Kohl, M.D. Dearing, and A.M. Felton 2018, Animal DOI: 10.1017/S1751731118002264
The genetic legacy of 50 years of desert bighorn sheep translocations. Jahner, J.P., M.D. Matocq, J.L. Malaney, M. Cox, P. Wolff, M.A. Gritts, T.L. Parchman 2018, Evolutionary Applications https://doi.org/10.1111/eva.12708
Biodiversity and topographic complexity: modern and geohistorical perspectives. Badgley, C., T.M. Smiley, R. Terry, E.B. Davis, L.R.G. DeSantis, D.L. Fox, S.B. Hopkins, T. Jezkova, M.D. Matocq, N. Matzke, J.L. McGuire, A. Mulch, B.R. Riddle, V. L. Roth, J.X. Samuels, C.A.E. Stromberg, B.J. Yanites 2017, Trends in Ecology and Evolution 32: 211-226
Differential effects of climate on survival rates drive hybrid zone dynamics and changes in species range limits. Hunter, E., M.D. Matocq, P.J. Murphy, and K. Shoemaker 2017, Current Biology 27: 3898-3903
Genetically distinct populations of the pygmy rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis) in the Mono Basin of California Larrucea, E., J. Rippert*, M. Robinson, and M.D. Matocq 2017, Journal of Mammalogy 99: 408-415
Distribution and genetic status of Xerospermophilus ground squirrels in the Barstow region, San Bernardino County, California Leitner, P., J. Rippert, M.D Matocq 2017, Western North American Naturalist 77: 152-161
Natural rewilding of the Great Basin: genetic consequences of recolonization by black bears (Ursus americanus). Malaney, J.L., C.W. Lackey, J.P. Beckman, M.D. Matocq 2017, Diversity and Distributions 24: 168-178
Hibernacula characteristics of Townsend’s big-eared bats in southeastern Idaho Gillies, K., P.J. Murphy, and M.D. Matocq 2014, Natural Areas Journal, 34:24-30
Assembling the modern Great Basin mammal biota: emerging insights from an integration of molecular biogeography and the fossil record Riddle, B.R., T. Jezkova, A. Hornsby, and M.D. Matocq 2014, Journal of Mammalogy, Great Basin Special Feature 95: 1107-1127
Ecological segregation in a small mammal hybrid zone: habitat-specific mating opportunities and selection against hybrids restrict gene flow on a fine spatial scale. Shurtliff, Q.S., P.J. Murphy, and M.D. Matocq 2014, Evolution 68: 729-742