The Fire of Life: Energy, Ecology, and Evolution in Humans and Other Animals

Join us as we welcome Dr. Herman Pontzer,  Professor of Evolutionary Anthropology and Global Health, Duke University Global Health Institute to campus! Dr. Pontzer is an American evolutionary anthropologist and author best known for his work on human metabolism, energetics, and evolution. 

Calories are the currency of life, needed to fuel everything from growth to immune function, movement to reproduction. In this talk, we'll discuss recent advances in our understanding of energy use in humans and other species. Metabolic adaptations have played a critical yet underappreciated role in the evolution of primates, including our own species. Comparisons of energy expenditure across populations have challenged traditional models, indicating that variation in lifestyle and daily physical activity do not necessarily correspond to differences in caloric needs. Measurements across the lifespan show distinct metabolic phases as we grow up and grow old. These advances in metabolic research provide a framework for future research in ecology, evolution, and health.

This event is free and open to all! A light reception will follow.