![Associate Professor Lyn Cook](/sites/default/files/profiles/1764.jpeg)
Overview
Background
I obtained my PhD from The Australian National University in 2001 and have been at UQ since August 2006
My research is primarily aimed at understanding the origins, diversification and distributions of organisms, especially plants and insects in Australia. I mostly take a comparative approach and use molecular phylogenies to test hypotheses about ecological and evolutionary processes. Recent and ongoing topics include: understanding how interactions among plants and insects affect the evolutionary radiation of each; teasing apart the effects of extinction and speciation to understand how past climate and environmental change has shaped our biota; and investigating the relative roles of continental drift and long distance dispersal in explaining the current distribution patterns of organisms in the southern hemisphere. Specific questions relate, but are not limited, to topics such as:
• how the diversification of the unique Australian flora has driven insect speciation
• whether specific insect-plant interactions are the result of long term co-radiation or more recent adaptive radiations of insects
• the relative roles of vicariance (such as that induced by continental drift) and dispersal in explaining the current distribution patterns of southern hemisphere organisms
• evolutionary patterns of host-use by herbivores
• how past climate change has shaped the current distributions of taxa
• assembly of the flora and fauna of current biomes, especially the arid zone, monsoon tropics and southern temperate biomes
• phylogeography of plants and insects, and what this reveals about contemporary and recent gene flow
• consequences of differential dispersal, such as that between male and female scale insects, different developmental stages, or seed and pollen
Availability
- Associate Professor Lyn Cook is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Bachelor (Honours) of Science (Advanced), Australian National University
- Doctor of Philosophy, Australian National University
Research interests
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Evolution of biodiversity
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Scale insect systematics
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Plant systematics
Works
Search Professor Lyn Cook’s works on UQ eSpace
Featured
2015
Journal Article
Key innovation or adaptive change? A test of leaf traits using Triodiinae in Australia
Toon, A., Crisp, M. D., Gamage, H., Mant, J., Morris, D. C., Schmidt, S. and Cook, L. G. (2015). Key innovation or adaptive change? A test of leaf traits using Triodiinae in Australia. Scientific Reports, 5 (1) 12398, 1-12. doi: 10.1038/srep12398
Featured
2015
Journal Article
Three explanations for biodiversity hotspots: small range size, geographical overlap and time for species accumulation. An Australian case study
Cook, Lyn G., Hardy, Nate B. and Crisp, Michael D. (2015). Three explanations for biodiversity hotspots: small range size, geographical overlap and time for species accumulation. An Australian case study. New Phytologist, 207 (2), 390-400. doi: 10.1111/nph.13199
Featured
2013
Journal Article
How was the Australian flora assembled over the last 65 million years? A molecular phylogenetic perspective
Crisp, Michael D. and Cook, Lyn G. (2013). How was the Australian flora assembled over the last 65 million years? A molecular phylogenetic perspective. Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics, 44, 303-324. doi: 10.1146/annurev-ecolsys-110512-135910
2024
Journal Article
Evolutionary Relationships of Omani Macrotermes subhyalinus, Macrotermitinae
AlShamakhi, Hilal S., Al-Sadi, Abdullah M. and Cook, Lyn G. (2024). Evolutionary Relationships of Omani Macrotermes subhyalinus, Macrotermitinae. Insects, 15 (9), 648. doi: 10.3390/insects15090648
2024
Journal Article
Host specificity of two co‐occurring nesting‐forms of the bag‐shelter moth <i>Ochrogaster lunifer</i> (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae) is congruent with there being cryptic species
Perkins, Lynda E., Uemura, Mizuki, Zalucki, Myron P. and Cook, Lyn G. (2024). Host specificity of two co‐occurring nesting‐forms of the bag‐shelter moth Ochrogaster lunifer (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae) is congruent with there being cryptic species. Austral Entomology, 63 (3), 406-412. doi: 10.1111/aen.12707
2024
Journal Article
Phylogeny, envenomation syndrome, and membrane permeabilising venom produced by Australia’s electric caterpillar Comana monomorpha
Goudarzi, Mohaddeseh H., Robinson, Samuel D., Cardoso, Fernanda C., Mitchell, Michela L., Cook, Lyn G., King, Glenn F. and Walker, Andrew A. (2024). Phylogeny, envenomation syndrome, and membrane permeabilising venom produced by Australia’s electric caterpillar Comana monomorpha. Scientific Reports, 14 (1) 14172, 14172. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-65078-1
2024
Journal Article
Perianth evolution and implications for generic delimitation in the eucalypts (Myrtaceae), including the description of the new genus, <i>Blakella</i>
Crisp, Michael D., Minh, Bui Q., Choi, Bokyung, Edwards, Robert D., Hereward, James, Kulheim, Carsten, Lin, Yen Po, Meusemann, Karen, Thornhill, Andrew H., Toon, Alicia and Cook, Lyn G. (2024). Perianth evolution and implications for generic delimitation in the eucalypts (Myrtaceae), including the description of the new genus, Blakella. Journal of Systematics and Evolution. doi: 10.1111/jse.13047
2024
Journal Article
Genomic data resolve phylogenetic relationships of Australian mat-rushes, Lomandra (Asparagaceae: Lomandroideae)
Gunn, Bee F., Murphy, Daniel J., Walsh, Neville G., Conran, John G., Pires, J. Chris, Macfarlane, Terry D., Crisp, Michael D., Cook, Lyn G. and Birch, Joanne L. (2024). Genomic data resolve phylogenetic relationships of Australian mat-rushes, Lomandra (Asparagaceae: Lomandroideae). Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 204 (1), 1-22. doi: 10.1093/botlinnean/boad034
2023
Journal Article
Phylogenetic relationships of the mutualistic fungi associated with Macrotermes subhyalinus in Oman
Alshamakhi, Hilal S., Al-Sadi, Abdullah M. and Cook, Lyn G. (2023). Phylogenetic relationships of the mutualistic fungi associated with Macrotermes subhyalinus in Oman. Mycobiology, 51 (5), 281-287. doi: 10.1080/12298093.2023.2258623
2023
Journal Article
Assessing the diversity of Australian tarantulas (Araneae: Theraphosidae) using DNA barcoding and iterative species delimitation
Briggs, Ethan J., Santana, Renan C., Raven, Robert J. and Cook, Lyn G. (2023). Assessing the diversity of Australian tarantulas (Araneae: Theraphosidae) using DNA barcoding and iterative species delimitation. Austral Entomology, 62 (4), 464-478. doi: 10.1111/aen.12666
2023
Journal Article
Are asymmetric inheritance systems an evolutionary trap? Transitions in the mechanism of paternal genome loss in the scale insect family Eriococcidae
Hodson, Christina N, Toon, Alicia, Cook, Lyn and Ross, Laura (2023). Are asymmetric inheritance systems an evolutionary trap? Transitions in the mechanism of paternal genome loss in the scale insect family Eriococcidae. Genetics, 224 (3) iyad090. doi: 10.1093/genetics/iyad090
2023
Journal Article
Host phylogeny and ecological associations best explain Wolbachia host shifts in scale insects
Sanaei, Ehsan, Albery, Gregory F., Yeoh, Yun Kit, Lin, Yen‐Po, Cook, Lyn G. and Engelstädter, Jan (2023). Host phylogeny and ecological associations best explain Wolbachia host shifts in scale insects. Molecular Ecology, 32 (9), 2351-2363. doi: 10.1111/mec.16883
2021
Journal Article
Wolbachia in scale insects: a distinct pattern of infection frequencies and potential transfer routes via ant associates
Sanaei, Ehsan, Lin, Yen‐Po, Cook, Lyn G. and Engelstädter, Jan (2021). Wolbachia in scale insects: a distinct pattern of infection frequencies and potential transfer routes via ant associates. Environmental Microbiology, 24 (3), 1326-1339. doi: 10.1111/1462-2920.15833
2021
Journal Article
Understanding diversity and systematics in Australian Fabaceae Tribe Mirbelieae
Barrett, Russell L., Clugston, James A. R., Cook, Lyn G., Crisp, Michael D., Jobson, Peter C., Lepschi, Brendan J., Renner, Matthew A. M. and Weston, Peter H. (2021). Understanding diversity and systematics in Australian Fabaceae Tribe Mirbelieae. Diversity, 13 (8) 391, 1-38. doi: 10.3390/d13080391
2021
Journal Article
Cycad killer, qu'est-ce que c'est? Dieback of Macrozamia communis on the south coast of New South Wales
McDougall, Keith L., Gullan, Penelope J., Craven, Phil, Wright, Genevieve T. and Cook, Lyn G. (2021). Cycad killer, qu'est-ce que c'est? Dieback of Macrozamia communis on the south coast of New South Wales. Australian Journal of Botany, 69 (2), 102-109. doi: 10.1071/BT20071
2020
Journal Article
Insect pollination of cycads
Toon, Alicia, Terry, L. Irene, Tang, William, Walter, Gimme H. and Cook, Lyn G. (2020). Insect pollination of cycads. Austral Ecology, 45 (8), 1033-1058. doi: 10.1111/aec.12925
2019
Journal Article
Australian processionary caterpillars, Ochrogaster lunifer Herrich‐Schäffer (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae), comprise cryptic species
Mather, Andrew, Zalucki, Myron P., Farrell, Julianne, Perkins, Lynda E. and Cook, Lyn G. (2019). Australian processionary caterpillars, Ochrogaster lunifer Herrich‐Schäffer (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae), comprise cryptic species. Austral Entomology, 58 (4) aen.12410, 816-825. doi: 10.1111/aen.12410
2019
Journal Article
Identifying genetic markers for a range of phylogenetic utility–From species to family level
Choi, Bokyung, Crisp, Michael D., Cook, Lyn G., Meusemann, Karen, Edwards, Robert D., Toon, Alicia and Külheim, Carsten (2019). Identifying genetic markers for a range of phylogenetic utility–From species to family level. PLoS One, 14 (8) e0218995, 1-19. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0218995
2019
Journal Article
Chloris circumfontinalis (Poaceae): A recently discovered species from the saline scalds surrounding artesian springs in north-eastern Australia
Fahey, Patrick S., Fensham, Roderick J., Laffineur, Boris and Cook, Lyn G. (2019). Chloris circumfontinalis (Poaceae): A recently discovered species from the saline scalds surrounding artesian springs in north-eastern Australia. Australian Systematic Botany, 32 (1), 228-242. doi: 10.1071/SB18017
2019
Journal Article
Turnover of southern cypresses in the post-Gondwanan world: extinction, transoceanic dispersal, adaptation and rediversification
Crisp, Michael D., Cook, Lyn G., Bowman, David M. J. S., Cosgrove, Meredith, Isagi, Yuji and Sakaguchi, Shota (2019). Turnover of southern cypresses in the post-Gondwanan world: extinction, transoceanic dispersal, adaptation and rediversification. New Phytologist, 221 (4), 2308-2319. doi: 10.1111/nph.15561
Funding
Current funding
Supervision
Availability
- Associate Professor Lyn Cook is:
- Available for supervision
Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.
Available projects
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Evolution of Australia's globally unique biodiversity hotspot
Australia has a globally recognised biodiversity hotspot, the southwest of Western Australia, but this unique flora is highly threatened. We are contrasting this hotspot with the climatically and latitudinally comparable southeastern Australia to determine the processes responsible for species generation and biodiversity maintenance. Study groups include the iconic eucalypts, Melaleuca, legumes and other plants, as well as gall-inducing scale insects that are associated with the plants, and other animals.
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Taxonomy and evolution of scale insect gallers of Melaleuceae
We have recently discovered a large radiation of scale insects that induce galls on species of Melaleuceae. This project involves the taxonomy and systematics of the group, and examines the evolutionary relationships bewteen the insects and their hosts. There is scope for describing and naming 30 or more species.
Supervision history
Current supervision
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Master Philosophy
Systematics of the processionally caterpillar Ochrogaster lunifer
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Myron Zalucki
-
Doctor Philosophy
Transcriptomics of insect-induced galls on eucalypts
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Peter Crisp
-
Doctor Philosophy
Systematics and evolution of Melaleuca
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Rod Fensham
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Doctor Philosophy
A perimeter defence in Australian processionary caterpillars
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Myron Zalucki
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Doctor Philosophy
Phylogeny and biogeography of the Microneurae section of Acacia
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Rod Fensham
-
Doctor Philosophy
Systematics of Eriocaulon L. (Eriocaulaceae Martinov.) in Australasia - phylogenomics, historical biogeography, and landscape genomics
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Rod Fensham
-
Doctor Philosophy
Applications of novel models of multivariate trait evolution in marsupials
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Katrina McGuigan, Dr Simone Blomberg
Completed supervision
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
Biogeography and diversity of Australian tarantulas (Araneae: Theraphosidae)
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Cynthia Riginos
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2019
Doctor Philosophy
Evolution and Biogeography of the Australian Cycad Genus Macrozamia
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Cynthia Riginos
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2019
Doctor Philosophy
Systematics, evolution and cryptic species of the Australian gall-inducing scale insect Apiomorpha (Hemiptera: Eriococcidae), with a focus on the Apiomorpha nookara and Apiomorpha hilli species groups
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Cynthia Riginos
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2018
Doctor Philosophy
Evolutionary dynamics of the mutualistic interactions between fungus-gardening termites in Oman (Macrotermes subhyalinus) and their fungal associates (Termitomyces)
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Cynthia Riginos
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2015
Doctor Philosophy
A Revision of the Australasian leaf beetle genus Paropsis Olivier (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)
Principal Advisor
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2013
Master Philosophy
Evolution and Systematics of Cameronella (Pteromalidae: Colotrechinae), dart-tailed wasps
Principal Advisor
-
2013
Doctor Philosophy
Evolution of the Scale Insect Family Coccidae (Hemiptera: Coccoidea)
Principal Advisor
-
2013
Doctor Philosophy
Studies on the taxonomy of Australasian species of Culicoides Latreille (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae)
Principal Advisor
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2013
Doctor Philosophy
Biogeography of the Australian Monsoon Flora, with emphasis on the broad-leaved paper barks (Melaleuca leucadendra species complex)
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Susanne Schmidt
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2012
Doctor Philosophy
Systematics, phylogeography and evolutionary history of the Australo-Papuan butcherbirds (Artamidae: Cracticus)
Principal Advisor
-
2024
Doctor Philosophy
Bioluminescence regulatory mechanisms in Arachnocampa larvae
Associate Advisor
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2024
Doctor Philosophy
The distribution of facultative secondary symbionts across scale insects
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Jan Engelstaedter
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
On the macroevolution, biogeography, and evolutionary history of an adaptive radiation in sea snakes
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Cynthia Riginos
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2021
Doctor Philosophy
Wolbachia infection and host shifts in scale insects
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Jan Engelstaedter
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2021
Master Philosophy
The butterflies of the Torres Strait islands - a fauna in review
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Myron Zalucki
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2020
Doctor Philosophy
A survey of alternative diet strategies and gut microbiota of Australian native dung beetles (Scarabaeinae)
Associate Advisor
-
2019
Doctor Philosophy
Explaining genetic patterns in the Philippines: broad and fine scale perspectives
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Cynthia Riginos
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2019
Doctor Philosophy
Tarantulas of Australia: phylogenetics and venomics
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Glenn King, Professor Bryan Fry
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2016
Doctor Philosophy
Phylogeography and population genetics of Australian freshwater rainbowfishes
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Robbie Wilson, Professor Cynthia Riginos
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2015
Doctor Philosophy
Predation of cabbage pests: a combined ecological and molecular approach
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Michael Furlong
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2015
Master Philosophy
Necrophagous insects in Queensland and their potential use as forensic indicators.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Myron Zalucki
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2014
Doctor Philosophy
Ecological Speciation in Senecio lautus
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Daniel Ortiz-Barrientos
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2014
Doctor Philosophy
Anatomy, systematics and phylogenetic relationships of the Early Cretaceous ornithopod dinosaurs of the Australian-Antarctic rift system
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Steven Salisbury
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2014
Doctor Philosophy
The roles of morphological diversification, depth range expansions and a novel gene in the evolution of the Octocorallia
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Sandie Degnan
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2011
Master Philosophy
Adaptations to host plants in selected Australian pergid sawflies
Associate Advisor
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2011
Doctor Philosophy
The taxonomy and systematics of the coral genus Favia from Thai waters
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Ove Hoegh-Guldberg
Media
Enquiries
Contact Associate Professor Lyn Cook directly for media enquiries about:
- Biogeography
- Phylogenetics
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