Thore Bergman

Thore Bergman is a Professor of Psychology and Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at the University of Michigan. He co-directs the University of Michigan Gelada Research Project in Ethiopia and the Capuchins at Taboga Project in Costa Rica. His research spans primate behavior, cognition, and communication, with fieldwork in Ethiopia, Botswana, and Mexico.

• Ph.D. in Evolutionary and Population Biology from Washington University
• Postdoctoral Fellow at University of Pennsylvania (2001-2005)

His research focuses on:

• Social cognition and dominance hierarchies in primates
• Vocal communication and its evolutionary link to human language
• Sexual selection mechanisms in primate societies
• Hormone-behavior interactions through non-invasive sampling
• Ecological influences on social systems

Recent publications emphasize methodologies like acoustic recordings, genetic sampling, and playback experiments across gelada monkeys, baboons, and howler monkeys. His work bridges cognitive evolution and behavioral ecology.

Scientific recognition includes:

• APS Fellow

Bergman advises graduate students and employs technologies ranging from hand-held computers to radio tracking. He investigates vocal repertoires, social assessment, and physiological consequences of behavior.