Among the most extraordinary features of our species are our life history characteristics. The great apes exhibit important precursors to many of these characteristics, such as long lifespan and extended juvenile periods, and are thus critical for understanding the evolution of these traits. My research investigates the physiological, ecological, and behavioral mechanisms that regulate life history trajectories in wild chimpanzees. This research reveals factors that constrain development, reproduction, and survival, providing clues as to how these features may have evolved in the hominin lineage.

The Michigan Anthropology Colloquia Series presents speakers on current topics in the field of anthropology.