Dr. Rob Massatti is a research ecologist and plant geneticist with the Southwest Biological Science Center.
Dr. Massatti is interested in how species and their genetic variation are distributed across western North America, and investigates the historical and contemporary factors influencing these patterns using genetic, environmental, and distributional data. This research framework allows him to place findings in the context of restoration and native plant materials development.
Professional Experience
2018 - Present: Research Ecologist, U.S. Geological Survey, Southwest Biological Science Center, Flagstaff, AZ
2016 - 2018: Ecologist, U.S. Geological Survey, Southwest Biological Science Center, Flagstaff, AZ
2015 - 2016: Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
2008 - 2010: Assistant Director, Conservation Research Program, Institute for Applied Ecology, Corvallis, OR
Education and Certifications
Ph.D., 2015: Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Dissertation: Spatial And Temporal Factors Influencing the Distribution and Diversification of the Montane Flora
M.S., 2007: Botany, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY
Thesis: A Floristic Inventory of the East Slope of the Wind River Mountain Range and Vicinity, Wyoming
B.S., 2002: Zoology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
Science and Products
Evolutionary dynamics inform management interventions of a hanging garden obligate, Carex specuicola
Assessing population genomic structure and polyploidy: A crucial step for native plant restoration
Spatially explicit management of genetic diversity using ancestry probability surfaces
Hybrid enrichment of adaptive variation revealed by genotype-environment associations in montane sedges
Supporting the development and use of native plant materials for restoration on the Colorado Plateau (Fiscal Year 2021 Report)
How to increase the supply of native seed to improve restoration success: The US native seed development process
Demographic modeling informs functional connectivity and management interventions in Graham’s beardtongue
The demographic and ecological factors shaping diversification among rare Astragalus species
Supporting the development and use of native plant materials for restoration on the Colorado Plateau (Fiscal Year 2020 Report)
Testing which axes of species differentiation underlie covariance of phylogeographic similarity among montane sedge species
Forward-looking dryland restoration in an age of change
Genetically-informed seed transfer zones for Cleome lutea and Machaeranthera canescens across the Colorado Plateau and adjacent regions
Non-USGS Publications**
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
Informing the use of native plant materials in restoration and rehabilitation with the Native Plant Seed Mapping Toolkit
Informing seed transfer guidelines and native plant materials development: Research supporting restoration across the Colorado Plateau and beyond
Genetics for Western Restoration and Conservation (GWRC)
Genomic Research Supporting Western Conservation
Genetically informed seed transfer zones for Astragalus lonchocarpus, Cleome serrulata, and Heliomeris multiflora across the Colorado Plateau and adjacent regions
Carex specuicola genomic data for the southern Colorado Plateau Desert
Penstemon grahamii genetic data from a dryland region of the western United States
Astragalus species complex genetic data from southeast Utah (Grand County and San Juan County), USA
Cleome lutea and Machaeranthera canescens seed transfer zones and distribution on the Colorado Plateau, US
'Viva' native plant material data in support of restoration and conservation
Population genetic and climatic variability data across western North America, 1915-2015
Hilaria jamesii data for the Colorado Plateau of the southwestern United States
Genetic analyses of Astragalus sect. Humillimi data in the southwest USA
POPMAPS: An R package to estimate ancestry probability surfaces
Science and Products
- Publications
Filter Total Items: 21
Evolutionary dynamics inform management interventions of a hanging garden obligate, Carex specuicola
Uncovering the historical and contemporary processes shaping rare species with complex distributions is of growing importance due to threats such as habitat destruction and climate change. Species restricted to specialized, patchy habitat may persist by virtue of life history characteristics facilitating ongoing gene flow and dispersal, but they could also reflect the remnants of formerly widespreAuthorsKenneth James Chapin, Matthew R Jones, Daniel E. Winkler, Glenn Rink, Robert MassattiAssessing population genomic structure and polyploidy: A crucial step for native plant restoration
Establishing an effective restoration program requires baseline genetic information to make sound decisions for seed increase and transfer. For many plants this information is lacking, especially among native forbs that are critical for pollinator health. Erigeron speciosus is a widespread, perennial forb occupying montane environments in the western United States and Canada. This species is imporAuthorsBryce A. Richardson, Robert Massatti, Nurul Islam-Faridi, Skylar Johnson, Francis F. KilkennySpatially explicit management of genetic diversity using ancestry probability surfaces
1. Ecological restoration and conservation efforts are increasing worldwide and the management of intraspecific genetic variation in plants and animals, an important component of biodiversity, is increasingly valued. As a result, tailorable, spatially explicit approaches to map genetic variation are needed to support decision-making and management frameworks related to the recovery of threatened aAuthorsRobert Massatti, Daniel E. WinklerHybrid enrichment of adaptive variation revealed by genotype-environment associations in montane sedges
The role of hybridization in diversification is complex and may result in many possible outcomes. Not only can hybridization produce new lineages, but those lineages may contain unique combinations of adaptive genetic variation derived from parental taxa that allow hybrid-origin lineages to occupy unique environmental space relative to one (or both) parents. We document such a case of hybridizatioAuthorsRichard G.J. Hodel, Robert Massatti, L Lacey KnowlesSupporting the development and use of native plant materials for restoration on the Colorado Plateau (Fiscal Year 2021 Report)
A primary focus of the Colorado Plateau Native Plant Program (CPNPP) is to identify and develop appropriate native plant materials (NPMs) for current and future restoration projects. Multiple efforts have characterized the myriad challenges inherent in providing appropriate seed resources to enable effective, widespread restoration and have identified a broad suite of research activities to providAuthorsRobert Massatti, Daniel E. Winkler, Sasha C. Reed, Michael C. Duniway, Seth M. Munson, John B. BradfordHow to increase the supply of native seed to improve restoration success: The US native seed development process
With the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, restoration of damaged ecosystems is turning into a global movement. Restoration actions that are not based on science and an understanding of ecosystem function can thwart desired restoration outcomes at best and cause further damage to ecosystems at worst. Restoration often includes revegetation using seed. Where we source seed for restoraAuthorsMolly Lutisha Mccormick, Amanda N. Carr, Robert Massatti, Daniel E. Winkler, Patricia De Angelis, Peggy OlwellDemographic modeling informs functional connectivity and management interventions in Graham’s beardtongue
Functional connectivity (i.e., the movement of individuals across a landscape) is essential for the maintenance of genetic variation and persistence of rare species. However, illuminating the processes influencing functional connectivity and ultimately translating this knowledge into management practice remains a fundamental challenge. Here, we combine various population structure analyses with paAuthorsMatthew Richard Jones, Daniel E. Winkler, Robert MassattiThe demographic and ecological factors shaping diversification among rare Astragalus species
AimEvolutionary radiations are central to the origin and maintenance of biodiversity, yet we rarely understand how they are jointly shaped by demography and ecological opportunity. Astragalus is the largest plant genus in the world and is disproportionately comprised of rare species restricted to narrow geographic and ecological regions. Here, we explored the demographic and ecological mechanismsAuthorsMatthew Richard Jones, Daniel E. Winkler, Robert MassattiSupporting the development and use of native plant materials for restoration on the Colorado Plateau (Fiscal Year 2020 Report)
A primary focus of the Colorado Plateau Native Plant Program (CPNPP) is to identify and develop appropriate native plant materials (NPMs) for current and future restoration projects. Multiple efforts have characterized the myriad challenges inherent in providing appropriate seed resources to enable effective, widespread restoration and have identified a broad suite of research activities to providAuthorsRobert Massatti, Daniel E. Winkler, Sasha C. Reed, Michael C. Duniway, Seth M. Munson, John B. BradfordTesting which axes of species differentiation underlie covariance of phylogeographic similarity among montane sedge species
Co‐distributed species may exhibit similar phylogeographic patterns due to shared environmental factors or discordant patterns attributed to the influence of species‐specific traits. Although either concordant or discordant patterns could occur due to chance, stark differences in key traits (e.g., dispersal ability) may readily explain differences between species. Multiple species’ attributes mayAuthorsRichard G.J. Hodel, Robert Massatti, Sasha G.D. Bishop, L. Lacey KnowlesForward-looking dryland restoration in an age of change
Drought, wildfires, and invasive species are among the many challenges practitioners face in achieving restoration goals in drylands. In this article, we highlight relevant restoration research and programs that pursue actionable information and resource management goals for the Intermountain West. In the context of international restoration targets recently set, we speak to dryland restoration chAuthorsDaniel E. Winkler, Robert Massatti, Sasha C. ReedGenetically-informed seed transfer zones for Cleome lutea and Machaeranthera canescens across the Colorado Plateau and adjacent regions
Genetically-based seed transfer zones are described herein for two priority restoration species on and adjacent to the Colorado Plateau (Massatti 2020). Species include Cleome lutea Hook. (Capparaceae; commonly called yellow spiderflower or yellow beeplant; synonym Peritoma lutea (Hook.) Raf.) and Machaeranthera canescens (Pursh) A. Gray (Asteraceae; commonly called hoary tansyaster; synonym DieteAuthorsRobert MassattiNon-USGS Publications**
Massatti, R., Doherty, K.D. and Wood, T.E. (2018), Resolving neutral and deterministic contributions to genomic structure in Syntrichia ruralis (Bryophyta, Pottiaceae) informs propagule sourcing for dryland restoration. Conservation Genetics, 19: 85.Knowles, L. L. and Massatti, R. (2017), Distributional shifts – not geographic isolation – as a probable driver of montane species divergence. Ecography, 40: 1475-1485.Massatti, R. and Knowles, L. L. (2016), Contrasting support for alternative models of genomic variation based on microhabitat preference: species‐specific effects of climate change in alpine sedges. Molecular Ecology, 25: 3974-3986.Knowles, L. L., Massatti, R. , He, Q. , Olson, L. E. and Lanier, H. C. (2016), Quantifying the similarity between genes and geography across Alaska's alpine small mammals. Journal of Biogeography, 43: 1464-1476.Massatti, R. , Reznicek, A. A. and Knowles, L. L. (2016), Utilizing RADseq data for phylogenetic analysis of challenging taxonomic groups: A case study in Carex sect. Racemosae. American Journal of Botany, 103: 337-347.Lanier, H. C., Massatti, R. , He, Q. , Olson, L. E. and Knowles, L. L. (2015), Colonization from divergent ancestors: glaciation signatures on contemporary patterns of genomic variation in Collared Pikas (Ochotona collaris). Molecular Ecology, 24: 3688-3705.Massatti, R. and Knowles, L. L. (2014), Microhabitat differences impact phylogeographic concordance of codistributed species: genomic evidence in montane sedges (Carex L.) from the Rocky Mountains. Evolution, 68: 2833-2846.Coop, J. D., Massatti, R. T. and Schoettle, A. W. (2010), Subalpine vegetation pattern three decades after stand‐replacing fire: effects of landscape context and topography on plant community composition, tree regeneration, and diversity. Journal of Vegetation Science, 21: 472- 487.**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
- Science
Informing the use of native plant materials in restoration and rehabilitation with the Native Plant Seed Mapping Toolkit
Restoring ecosystems using native plant materials is a critical pursuit of federal land management agencies following natural disasters and disturbances. The Native Plant Seed Mapping Toolkit provides practitioners with quantitative data to support successful restoration outcomes.Informing seed transfer guidelines and native plant materials development: Research supporting restoration across the Colorado Plateau and beyond
As restoration needs for natural landscapes grow due to higher frequency and/or intensity disturbances, pressure from invasive species, and impacts resulting from changing climates, considerable time and resources are being invested to guide the development and deployment of native plant materials (NPMs). Across lower elevations of the Colorado Plateau, a region composed primarily of public land...Genetics for Western Restoration and Conservation (GWRC)
Research using genetic principles, methods, and data provides critical information for restoration and conservation science. Genetic research may rely only upon genomic sequencing techniques, which generate abundant, genome-wide DNA sequences that can provide a glimpse into a species’ evolutionary history and adaptations. Genetic research may also look at an organism’s physical traits to...Genomic Research Supporting Western Conservation
In the western United States (U.S.), there are many regionally restricted, rare species resulting from complex demographic and ecological processes through time. In addition to the inherent risks associated with being rare (i.e., having few individuals spread over a limited area that could be disproportionately affected by chance events), anthropogenic disturbances are increasing in magnitude... - Data
Genetically informed seed transfer zones for Astragalus lonchocarpus, Cleome serrulata, and Heliomeris multiflora across the Colorado Plateau and adjacent regions
These data were compiled to provide seed transfer and native plant materials development guidance to managers and practitioners across the Colorado Plateau and in adjacent regions. This data release contains empirical seed transfer zones derived from molecular genetic data for Cleome serrulata (syn. Peritoma serrulata), Heliomeris multiflora, and Astragalus lonchocarpus. These species show distincCarex specuicola genomic data for the southern Colorado Plateau Desert
These data were compiled to investigate the demographic and phylogeographic of Carex specuicola. Objectives of our study were to understand the demographic and dispersal history of Carex specuicola across hanging gardens, the hybridization history between Carex specuicola and Carex utahensis, and the population structure of Carex specuicola across its distribution. The data release consists of thrPenstemon grahamii genetic data from a dryland region of the western United States
These data were compiled to investigate the evolutionary history of Graham's beardtongue (Penstemon grahamii). Objective(s) of our study were to determine the evolutionary history of P. grahamii, including ancestral population sizes, the history of population divergences, and historical connectivity. In addition, we characterized population structure, genetic diversity summary statistics, and landAstragalus species complex genetic data from southeast Utah (Grand County and San Juan County), USA
These data were compiled to investigate the evolutionary history of Astragalus iselyi, A. sabulosus var. sabulosus, and A. sabulosus var. vehiculus. The data release consists of six text files. One file is a bash script (astragalus_MLE_msms.sh) for generating simulated genetic data. Four files contain individual-level (astragalus.fasta, astragalus.nothin.recode.vcf, astragalus.recode.vcf) or populCleome lutea and Machaeranthera canescens seed transfer zones and distribution on the Colorado Plateau, US
These data were compiled to provide seed transfer and native plant materials development guidance to managers and practitioners across the Colorado Plateau and in adjacent regions. This data release contains empirical seed transfer zones derived from molecular genetic data for Cleome lutea (syn. Peritoma lutea) and Machaeranthera canescens (syn. Dieteria canescens). These species show distinct pop'Viva' native plant material data in support of restoration and conservation
These data were compiled to investigate the evolutionary history of Hilaria jamesii, Hilaria mutica, and Hilaria rigida. The data release consists of two tab delimited text files that may be used to infer population structure (viva_structure.stru) or relationships among sampling localities (viva.phylip). Files record genetic variation on an individual (.stru) or sampling locality (.phylip) level.Population genetic and climatic variability data across western North America, 1915-2015
Environmental Analysis Data: These data were compiled to investigate the complex interactions between environmental gradients and geographic distance across the Intermountain West of the western United States. Due to complex topography, physiographic heterogeneity, and complicated relationships with large bodies of water, spatial autocorrelation of environmental similarity may be expected. We provHilaria jamesii data for the Colorado Plateau of the southwestern United States
These data were compiled to investigate the demographic, phylogeographic, and adaptation history of Hilaria jamesii. The data release consists of three tab delimited text files that may be used to infer population structure or putative adaptive loci (hija_adaptation_dataset.stru), relationships among sampling localities (hija_phylogeny_dataset.phylip), or genetic diversity statistics (hija_diversiGenetic analyses of Astragalus sect. Humillimi data in the southwest USA
These data were compiled to support effective conservation for species within Astragalus sect. Humillimi. Two species, A. cremnophylax var. cremnophylax and A. humillimus are federally listed as endangered taxa. The data provided herein were used to resolve the relationaships among taxa, the population structure within taxa, and genetic diversity within taxa. The data are provided in a STRUCTURE-f - Multimedia
- Software
POPMAPS: An R package to estimate ancestry probability surfaces
This software code was developed to estimate the probability that individuals found at a geographic location will belong to the same genetic cluster as individuals at the nearest empirical sampling location for which ancestry is known. POPMAPS includes 5 main functions to calculate and visualize these results (see Table 1 for functions and arguments). Population assignment coefficients and a raste - News