Topic: human evolution

Investigate human evolution and past environments through archaeological, anatomical and geological data. The postdoctoral role combines research design, quantitative analysis, publication and laboratory support within the Center for the Advanced Study of Human Paleobiology. Applicants need a relevant doctorate and archaeological-analysis and fieldwork experience.

Narratives of human evolution have focused on cortical expansion and increases in brain size relative to body size, but considered that changes in life history, such as in age at sexual maturity and thus the extent of childhood and maternal dependence, or maximal longevity, are evolved features that appeared as consequences of selection for increased brain size, or increased cognitive abilities that decrease mortality rates, or due to selection for grandmotherly contribution to feeding the young. Here I build on my recent finding that slower life histories universally accompany increased numbe