Evolutionary theory provides a powerful framework for investigating why humans are the way we are. Human evolutionary biologists seek to understand how evolutionary forces have shaped our anatomy, physiology, psychology, culture and behavior. Research in human evolutionary biology influences many professions and social issues including medicine, politics, business, and gender and race relations.
Some of our key questions include:
- What psychological, anatomical and physiological traits are uniquely human and why did they evolve?
- Why did our species evolve such large brains?
- Why do humans walk upright?
- Why and how do humans cooperate on such large-scales compared to other primates?
- How has cultural evolution shaped our species’ biological evolution?
- How does our gut microbiota influence patterns of disease?
- How can we better address our current health challenges by learning about our species’ evolutionary history?
- How does the lifestyle of modern humans (e.g., diet, activity levels) impact our evolutionary trajectory?
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