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.

Matocq, M.D. and P.J. Murphy. Fine-scale phenotypic change across a species transition zone in the genus Neotoma: disentangling independent evolution from phylogenetic history. In review

Matocq, M.D., Q.R. Shurtliff, and C.R. Feldman. Phylogenetics of the woodrat genus Neotoma (Rodentia: Muridae): implications for the evolution of phenotypic variation in male external genitalia. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, in press

Spear, S.S., C.R. Peterson, M.D. Matocq, and A. Storfer. 2006. Molecular evidence for historical and recent population size reductions of tiger salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum) in Yellowstone National Park. Conservation Genetics 7: 605-611.

Spear, S.S., C.R. Peterson, M.D. Matocq, and A. Storfer. 2005. Landscape genetics of the blotched tiger salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum melanostictium). Molecular Ecology 14: 2553-2564.

Matocq, M.D. 2004. Reproductive success and effective population size in woodrats (Neotoma macrotis). Molecular Ecology 13: 1635-1642.

Matocq, M.D. and E.A. Lacey. 2004. Philopatry, kin clusters, and genetic relatedness in a population of woodrats (Neotoma macrotis). Behavioral Ecology 15: 647-653.

Matocq, M.D. 2002. Phylogeographical and regional history of the dusky-footed woodrat, Neotoma fuscipes . Molecular Ecology 11: 229-242.

Matocq, M.D. 2002. Morphological and molecular analysis of a contact zone in the Neotoma fuscipes species complex. Journal of Mammalogy 83: 866-883.

Matocq, M.D. 2001. Characterization of microsatellite loci in the dusky-footed woodrat, Neotoma fuscipes. Molecular Ecology Notes 1: 194-196.

Matocq, M.D. and F.X. Villablanca. 2001. genetic diversity in an endangered species: recent or historic pattern? Biological Conservation 98: 61-68.

Matocq, M.D., M.N.F. da Silva, and J.L. Patton. 2000. Population genetic structure of two ecologically distinct Amazonian spiny rats: separating history and current ecology. Evolution 54: 1423-1432

Smith, F.A., M.D. Matocq, K.F. Melendez, A.M. Ditto, and P. Kelly. 2000. How isolated are Pleistocene refugia? Results from a study on a relict woodrat population from the Mojave Desert, California. Journal of Biogeography 27: 483-500.

Lacey , E., J. Maldonado, J. Clabaugh, and M.D. Matocq. 1999. Microsatellites isolated from tuco-tucos (Ctenomys sp.). Molecular Ecology 8: 1754-1756.

Randall, J.A. and M.D. Matocq. 1997. Why do kangaroo rats (Dipodomys spectabilis) footdrum at snakes? Behavioral Ecology 8: 404-413.

Garcia-Moreno, J., M.D. Matocq, M. Roy, E. Geffen, and R.K. Wayne. 1996. Relationships and genetic purity of the endangered Mexican Wolf based on analysis of microsatellite loci. Conservation Biology 10: 376-389.