Associate Professor Lyn Cook
Associate Professor

Lyn Cook

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 336 52070

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

Biological Sciences Plant biology Zoology

Qualifications

  • Bachelor (Honours) of Science (Advanced), Australian National University
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Australian National University

Research interests

  • Evolution of biodiversity

  • Scale insect systematics

  • Plant systematics

Search Professor Lyn Cook’s works on UQ eSpace

103 works between 1997 and 2024
All (103) Journal Article (97) Book Chapter (2) Conference Publication (4)

61 - 80 of 103 works

2010

Journal Article

Gall-induction in insects: evolutionary dead-end or speciation driver?

Hardy, Nate B. and Cook, Lyn G. (2010). Gall-induction in insects: evolutionary dead-end or speciation driver?. BMC Evolutionary Biology, 10 (1, Article number 257) 257, 1-8. doi: 10.1186/1471-2148-10-257

Gall-induction in insects: evolutionary dead-end or speciation driver?

2010

Journal Article

Melaleuca revisited: cpDNA and morphological data confirm that Melaleuca L. (Myrtaceae) is not monophyletic

Edwards, Robert D., Craven, Lyn A., Crisp, Michael D. and Cook, Lyn G. (2010). Melaleuca revisited: cpDNA and morphological data confirm that Melaleuca L. (Myrtaceae) is not monophyletic. Taxon, 59 (3), 744-754. doi: 10.1002/tax.593007

Melaleuca revisited: cpDNA and morphological data confirm that Melaleuca L. (Myrtaceae) is not monophyletic

2010

Journal Article

Refined global analysis of Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Aleyrodoidea: Aleyrodidae) Mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase 1 to identify species level genetic boundaries

Dinsdale, A., Cook, L., Riginos, C., Buckley, Y. M. and De Barro, P. (2010). Refined global analysis of Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Aleyrodoidea: Aleyrodidae) Mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase 1 to identify species level genetic boundaries. Annals of the Entomological Society of America, 103 (2), 196-208. doi: 10.1603/AN09061

Refined global analysis of Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Aleyrodoidea: Aleyrodidae) Mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase 1 to identify species level genetic boundaries

2010

Journal Article

Biogeography of the Australian monsoon tropics

Bowman, D. M. J. S., Brown, G. K., Braby, M. F., Brown, J. R., Cook, L. G., Crisp, M. D., Ford, F., Haberle, S., Hughes, J., Isagi,Y., Joseph, L., McBride, J., Nelson, G. and Ladiges, P. Y. (2010). Biogeography of the Australian monsoon tropics. Journal of Biogeography, 37 (2), 201-216. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2699.2009.02210.x

Biogeography of the Australian monsoon tropics

2010

Journal Article

Livistona palms in Australia: Ancient relics or opportunistic immigrants?

Crisp, Michael D., Isagi, Yuji, Kato, Yohei, Cook, Lyn and Bownam, David M. (2010). Livistona palms in Australia: Ancient relics or opportunistic immigrants?. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 54 (2), 512-523. doi: 10.1016/j.ympev.2009.09.020

Livistona palms in Australia: Ancient relics or opportunistic immigrants?

2010

Journal Article

Species richness and host-plant diversity are positively correlated in Coccidae

Lin, Y.-P., Gullan, P.J. and Cook, L.G. (2010). Species richness and host-plant diversity are positively correlated in Coccidae. Entomologia Hellenica, 19 (2), 90-98.

Species richness and host-plant diversity are positively correlated in Coccidae

2010

Journal Article

Disparity in chromosomal variation within the Apiomorpha minor species-group

Mills, P.J. and Cook, L.G. (2010). Disparity in chromosomal variation within the Apiomorpha minor species-group. Entomologia Hellenica, 19, 82-89.

Disparity in chromosomal variation within the Apiomorpha minor species-group

2009

Journal Article

Phylogenetic endemism: a new approach for identifying geographical concentrations of evolutionary history

Rosauer, D, Laffan, S.W., Crisp, M.D., Dannellan, S.C. and Cook, L. (2009). Phylogenetic endemism: a new approach for identifying geographical concentrations of evolutionary history. Molecular Ecology, 18 (19), 4061-4072. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-294X.2009.04311.x

Phylogenetic endemism: a new approach for identifying geographical concentrations of evolutionary history

2009

Journal Article

Explosive radiation or cryptic mass extinction? Interpreting signatures in molecular phylogenies

Crisp, M.D. and Cook, L. (2009). Explosive radiation or cryptic mass extinction? Interpreting signatures in molecular phylogenies. Evolution, 63 (9), 2257-2265. doi: 10.1111/j.1558-5646.2009.00728.x

Explosive radiation or cryptic mass extinction? Interpreting signatures in molecular phylogenies

2009

Journal Article

Phylogenetic biome conservatism on a global scale

Crisp, Michael D., Arroyo, Mary T. K., Cook, Lyn G., Gandalfo, Maria A., Jordan, Gregory J., McGlone, Matt S., Weston, Peter H., Westoby, Mark, Wilf, Peter and Linder, H. Peter (2009). Phylogenetic biome conservatism on a global scale. Nature, 458 (7239), 754-756. doi: 10.1038/nature07764

Phylogenetic biome conservatism on a global scale

2008

Journal Article

Tree Thinking for all Biology: the Problem with Reading Phylogenies as Ladders of Progress

Omland, K.E., Cook, L.G. and Crisp, M.D. (2008). Tree Thinking for all Biology: the Problem with Reading Phylogenies as Ladders of Progress. BioEssays, 30 (9), 854-867. doi: 10.1002/bies.20794

Tree Thinking for all Biology: the Problem with Reading Phylogenies as Ladders of Progress

2008

Journal Article

The genetic diversity, relationships, and potential for biological control of the lobate lac scale, Paratachardina pseudolobata Kondo & Gullan (Hemiptera: Coccoidea: Kerriidae)

Schroer, S., Pemberton, R.W., Cook, L.G., Kondon, T. and Gullan, P. (2008). The genetic diversity, relationships, and potential for biological control of the lobate lac scale, Paratachardina pseudolobata Kondo & Gullan (Hemiptera: Coccoidea: Kerriidae). Biological Control, 46 (2), 256-266. doi: 10.1016/j.biocontrol.2008.04.009

The genetic diversity, relationships, and potential for biological control of the lobate lac scale, Paratachardina pseudolobata Kondo & Gullan (Hemiptera: Coccoidea: Kerriidae)

2008

Journal Article

Relationships among felt scale insects (Hemiptera : Coccoidea : Eriococcidae) of southern beech, Nothofagus (Nothofagaceae), with the first descriptions of Australian species of the Nothofagus-feeding genus Madarococcus Hoy

Hardy, N.B., Gullan, P.J., Henderson, R.C. and Cook, L. (2008). Relationships among felt scale insects (Hemiptera : Coccoidea : Eriococcidae) of southern beech, Nothofagus (Nothofagaceae), with the first descriptions of Australian species of the Nothofagus-feeding genus Madarococcus Hoy. Invertebrate Systematics, 22 (3), 365-405. doi: 10.1071/IS07032

Relationships among felt scale insects (Hemiptera : Coccoidea : Eriococcidae) of southern beech, Nothofagus (Nothofagaceae), with the first descriptions of Australian species of the Nothofagus-feeding genus Madarococcus Hoy

2008

Journal Article

Reticulate evolution in the natural range of the invasive wetland tree species Melaleuca quinquenervia

Cook, Lyn G., Morris, David C., Edwards, Robert D. and Crisp, Michael D. (2008). Reticulate evolution in the natural range of the invasive wetland tree species Melaleuca quinquenervia. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 47 (2), 506-522. doi: 10.1016/j.ympev.2008.02.012

Reticulate evolution in the natural range of the invasive wetland tree species Melaleuca quinquenervia

2008

Journal Article

Insect, not plant, determines gall morphology in the Apiomorpha pharetrata species-group (Hemiptera: Coccidea)

Cook, L. and Gullan, P.J. (2008). Insect, not plant, determines gall morphology in the Apiomorpha pharetrata species-group (Hemiptera: Coccidea). Australian Journal of Entomology, 47 (1), 51-57. doi: 10.1111/j.1440-6055.2007.00625.x

Insect, not plant, determines gall morphology in the Apiomorpha pharetrata species-group (Hemiptera: Coccidea)

2007

Journal Article

Phylogeny and higher classification of the scale insects (Hemiptera : Sternorrhyncha : Coccoidea)

Gullan, P. J. and Cook, L. G. (2007). Phylogeny and higher classification of the scale insects (Hemiptera : Sternorrhyncha : Coccoidea). Zootaxa, 1668 (1668), 413-425. doi: 10.11646/zootaxa.1668.1.22

Phylogeny and higher classification of the scale insects (Hemiptera : Sternorrhyncha : Coccoidea)

2007

Journal Article

Genetic diversity, host-specificity and unusual phylogeography of a cryptic, host-associated species complex of gall-inducing scale insects

Cook, Lyn G. and Rowell, David M. (2007). Genetic diversity, host-specificity and unusual phylogeography of a cryptic, host-associated species complex of gall-inducing scale insects. Ecological Entomology, 32 (5), 506-515. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2311.2007.00893.x

Genetic diversity, host-specificity and unusual phylogeography of a cryptic, host-associated species complex of gall-inducing scale insects

2007

Journal Article

A congruent molecular signature of vicariance across multiple plant linages

Crisp, M. D. and Cook, L. G. (2007). A congruent molecular signature of vicariance across multiple plant linages. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 43 (3), 1106-1117. doi: 10.1016/j.ympev.2007.02.030

A congruent molecular signature of vicariance across multiple plant linages

2006

Journal Article

Description of two new genera and species of Eriococcidae (Hemiptera: Coccoidea) from southern South America

Kondo, Takumasa, Hardy, Nate, Cook, Lyn and Gullan, Penny (2006). Description of two new genera and species of Eriococcidae (Hemiptera: Coccoidea) from southern South America. Zootaxa, 1349 (1349), 19-36. doi: 10.11646/zootaxa.1349.1.2

Description of two new genera and species of Eriococcidae (Hemiptera: Coccoidea) from southern South America

2006

Journal Article

The systematics and biology of the south African gall-inducing scale insect, Calycicoccus merwei brain (Hemiptera : Coccoidea : Eriococcidae)

Gullan, P. J., Giliomee, J. H., Hodgson, C. J. and Cook, L. G. (2006). The systematics and biology of the south African gall-inducing scale insect, Calycicoccus merwei brain (Hemiptera : Coccoidea : Eriococcidae). African Entomology, 14 (1), 13-33.

The systematics and biology of the south African gall-inducing scale insect, Calycicoccus merwei brain (Hemiptera : Coccoidea : Eriococcidae)

Current funding

  • 2022 - 2024
    Population genetics and demography of Macrozamia conferta
    Acciona Energy Australia Global Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2025
    A perimeter defence in Australian processionary caterpillars
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2018 - 2019
    Continuous flow isotope ratio mass spectrometer (CF-IRMS) and ancillary preparation systems for carbon, nitrogen and sulfur isotope microanalysis for archaeology, biology, earth and environmental scie
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2019
    Sibling rivalry or chivalry: why do male bush coconuts carry their little sisters?
    Australia & Pacific Science Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2019
    Why are Australian cycads endangered: pollinators, climate or humans?
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2016
    Morphological and molecular variation in Gynaikothrips on fig trees in Australia and generic revisions of Lissothrips
    Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries
    Open grant
  • 2015
    Beyond genomes, transcriptomes and proteomes: high throughput analysis of gene and protein expression and function
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2015
    Evolution of Australia's globally unique hotspot of floral diversity (ARC Discovery administered by ANU)
    Australian National University
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2015
    Species discovery and evolution of scale insect gallers of Melaleuceae
    Commonwealth Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2012
    Species discovery and revision of scale insect gallers of Leptospermeae and Chamelauceae
    Australian Biological Resources Study
    Open grant
  • 2009
    Building Capacity in Quantitative Genomics
    UQ School/Centre Co-Funding
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2011
    Distinguishing among patterns of extinction & speciation through geological and climatic change: a molecular modelling approach. (ARC Discovery Project administered by Australian National University).
    Australian National University
    Open grant
  • 2009
    Genomics on a different scale: towards understanding chromosomal evolution, speciation, gall-induction and host-specificity.
    UQ Early Career Researcher
    Open grant
  • 2008
    Controlled Environment Facilities for the Challenges of the 21st Century
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2007 - 2008
    Development of markers to study dispersal of a wind-borne plant parasite group
    UQ New Staff Research Start-Up Fund
    Open grant
  • 2006 - 2008
    The role of ecological specialisation in insect-plant macroevolutionary processes: a molecular phylogenetic approach across three kingdoms
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant

Availability

Associate Professor Lyn Cook is:
Available for supervision

Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.

Available projects

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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

  • Doctor Philosophy

    A perimeter defence in Australian processionary caterpillars

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Myron Zalucki

  • 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

Enquiries

Contact Associate Professor Lyn Cook directly for media enquiries about:

  • Biogeography
  • Phylogenetics

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