Susan C. Alberts

Led long-term, longitudinal primate studies, in unique demographic analyses that shed light on fundamental human life history parameters, including mortality patterns and reproductive aging. Documented evidence of aging in 7 wild nonhuman primate populations (Science 2011). Found phylogeny has no effect on aging; rather aging parameters appear to be labile and evolve freely in response to local environmental conditions. Conducted field-based studies of social isolation versus social connectedness in wild animals, showed isolation a risk factor for mortality just as in humans (Science 2003). Elucidated causes and consequences of differences in individual social status, showing that advantages of social status are density-dependent, nonlinear, even discontinuous (Science 2011). Demonstrated male primates have unexpected ability to distinguish their own offspring in natural settings and care for them (Nature 2003). Revealed that the presence of a male parent enhances offspring fitness (PNAS 2008), and that males and their offspring exhibit mutual social preferences for each other.