Christopher Opie

My research interests are in the evolution of social systems in humans and other primates. I am a specialist in the use of leading-edge Bayesian phylogenetic methods from evolutionary biology to investigate global patterns and the drivers of large-scale social change. This includes the causes of the emergence of sociality, monogamy and other mating systems in primates and the origin of large-scale complex societies and inequality in humans. I use the findings of my research to inform debates and increase understanding about the underlying drivers of change in society today.