The Morton Arb

Research Programs

Andrew L. Hipp, Ph.D.

scientist_andrew_hippPosition

Plant Systematist and Herbarium Curator

Education

Ph.D. 2004, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Botany

Research interests

Research in the Plant Systematics Laboratory addresses the origins and evolution of plant diversity, using the tools of molecular systematics, population genetics, cytogenetics, field ecology, and herbarium study. Current research focuses on two groups that pose complementary problems to the evolutionary biologist and field taxonomist alike. The first of these are the oaks (Quercus: Fagaceae), remarkable in the degree to which they remain discrete despite extensive interspecific gene flow. At the opposite end are the sedges (Carex: Cyperaceae), North America's largest vascular plant genus, in which morphologically and ecologically distinct species cohere despite extensive intraspecific chromosome variation. This research addresses questions of conservation significance using the methods of plant systematics and evolutionary biology.

Andrew's Lab

http://redwood.mortonarb.org/lab_pages/hipp/

Accomplishments

Author or co-author of numerous journal articles, field guides, and online tools for plant identification, and three series of children's books on a variety of natural history topics. Andrew has collaborated in the development of genetic markers for studies of gene flow in wetland sedges; development of analytical tools for phylogenetic analysis of DNA fingerprinting (AFLP) data; taxonomic investigations in sedges, oaks, elms, euphorbs, and other vascular plant groups; and research into intraspecific and interspecific patterns of gene flow. He regularly collaborates in regional floristic projects and facilitates floristic and taxonomic projects through his role as Curator of The Morton Arboretum Herbarium and collaborator in www.vPlants.org.

Selected Publications 

  • Hipp, A.L. with illustrations by R.D. Davis, maps and appendices by T.S. Cochrane and M. Black. 2008. Field Guide to Wisconsin Sedges: An Introduction to the Genus Carex (Cyperaceae). University of Wisconsin Press, Madison. 280 pages.
  • Hipp, A.L., P.E. Rothrock, and E.H. Roalson. 2009. The evolution of chromosome arrangements in Carex (Cyperaceae). The Botanical Review 75(1): 96-109.
  • Lumbsch, H.T., A.L. Hipp, P.K. Divakar, O. Blanco, and A. Crespo. 2008. Accelerated evolutionary rates in tropical and oceanic parmelioid lichens (Ascomycota). BMC Evolutionary Biology 8: 257.
  • Hipp, A.L. and J.A. Weber. 2008. Taxonomy of Hill's oak (Quercus ellipsoidalis E.J. Hill): Evidence from AFLP data. Systematic Botany 33: 148-158.
  • Hipp, A.L. 2007. Non-Uniform processes of chromosome evolution in sedges (Carex: Cyperaceae). Evolution 61: 2175-2194.
  • Luo, R., A.L. Hipp, and B. Larget. 2007. A Bayesian Model of AFLP Marker Evolution and Phylogenetic Inference. Statistical Applications in Genetics and Molecular Biology 6(1): Article 11.
  • Hipp, A.L., A.A. Reznicek, P.E. Rothrock, and J.A. Weber. 2006. Phylogeny and Classification of Carex Section Ovales (Cyperaceae). International Journal of Plant Sciences 167(5): 1029-1048.
  • Hipp, A.L., J.C. Hall, and K.J. Sytsma. 2004. Congruence versus Phylogenetic Accuracy: Revisiting the Incongruence Length Difference (ILD) Test. Systematic Biology 53: 81-89.
  • Hipp, A.L. 1998. Checklist of carices for prairies, savannas and oak woodlands of southern Wisconsin. Transactions of the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts and Letters 86: 77-99.
  • Hipp, A.L. 2004. Getting Into Nature: Oak Trees. Powerkids Press, NY. 28 pp.
  • Hipp, A.L. 2004. Getting Into Nature: Olive Trees. Powerkids Press, NY. 28 pp.
  • Hipp, A.L. 2004. Getting Into Nature: Sunflowers. Powerkids Press, NY. 28 pp.
  • Hipp, A.L. 2002. Life Cycle of an Earthworm. Powerkids Press, NY. 24 pp.