Matthew P. Rowe Professor Ph.D., University of California - Davis Office: LDB 143 Phone: (936) 294-4250 Fax: (936) 294-3940 E-mail: rowe@shsu.edu

Research Interests

Behavioral ecology/conservation biology. My research in behavioral ecology uses integrative approaches to study coevolution between predators and prey. These dynamic interactions show remarkable sophistication, from ground squirrels using rattling they provoke in rattlesnakes to assess the body size and temperature of their reptilian enemies, to grasshopper mice capable of feeding on highly neurotoxic scorpions because of subtle modifications in the mouse's peripheral nerves. My conservation biology research examines habitat selection and habitat requirements in vertebrates. My two interests are not as disparate as they first appear; basically, I am fascinated by the relationships among species within a community.

Current Projects

Coevolution between bark scorpions (Centruroides spp .) and grasshopper mice (Onychomys spp .) . One project will test the hypothesis that vertebrate-specific neurotoxins in bark scorpions and neurotoxin resistance in grasshopper mice are products of reciprocal selection. Another will identify the physiological basis of neurotoxin resistance in the mice. A third will examine geographic covariation in venom composition and venom resistance between scorpions and mice in areas of sympatry and allopatry. Results should integrate across multiple levels of analysis in biology, from the development of more effective treatments for scorpion stings to a better understanding of the historical biogeography of NA deserts.

Recent Selected Publications

Carlson, B.E. & M.P. Rowe.  2009.  Temperature and desiccation effects on the antipredator behavior of Centruroides vittatus (Scorpiones: Buthidae).  Journal of Arachnology 37:321-330. pdf

Rowe, A.H., & M.P. Rowe. 2008. Physiological resistance of grasshopper mice (Onychomys spp.) to Arizona bark scorpion (Centruroides exilicauda) venom. Toxicon 52:597-605. pdf

Clucas, B., D.H. Owings & M.P. Rowe. 2008. Donning your enemy's cloak: ground squirrels exploit rattlesnake scent to reduce predation risk. Proceedings of the Royal Society of London, B 275: 847-852. pdf

Clucas, B., M.P. Rowe, D.H. Owings & P.C. Arrowood. 2008. Snake scent application in ground squirrels (Spermophilus spp.): a novel from of antipredator behavior? Animal Behaviour 75: 299-307. pdf

Bulluck, J.F. & M.P. Rowe. 2006. The use of southern Appalachian wetlands by breeding birds, with a focus on neotropical migrant species. The Wilson Journal of Ornithology 118: 399-410. pdf

Rowe, A.H. & M.P. Rowe. 2006. Risk assessment by grasshopper mice (Onychomys spp.) feeding on neurotoxic prey (Centruroides spp.). Animal Behaviour 71: 725-734. pdf

 

Summer Field Crew 2009 SRER

SRER Cabin

Small Mammal Trap

Melissa and Coachwip

Fishhook Cactus Flower

Tiger Rattlesnake Summer 2009

Checking the Trap Line

Valerie Checking Traps

Jumping Cholla on Dr. Rowe

Field Crew Summer 2009

 

Rock Squirrel Anointing