David P. Tracer

David P. Tracer is a Professor in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Colorado Denver, serving as Chair of Health and Behavioral Sciences. His expertise spans biological and behavioral ecology, focusing on human life history theory and social norms.

• Education
• Ph.D., Biological Anthropology (University of Michigan, 1991)
• M.A., Biological Anthropology (University of Michigan, 1985)
• B.A., Anthropology (Brandeis University, 1984)

Tracer's research integrates evolutionary perspectives on maternal/child health with cross-cultural studies of reciprocity, altruism, and punishment mechanisms. His work with the Au lowland forager-horticulturalists in Papua New Guinea examines how socioeconomic changes influence biological and social outcomes.

Key research themes include:

• Human ecological adaptations
• Fertility determinants and lactation impacts
• Cultural evolution of fairness norms
• Parental investment biases
• Market integration effects
• Craniofacial data applications