Humans (Homo sapiens) are the most abundant and widespread species of primates, characterized by bipedality and large, complex brains enabling the development of advanced tools, culture and language.

Paleoanthropology is the study of human evolution through the fossil and archaeological records. UC Davis Paleoanthropologists work in Africa, Asia and Europe, and particularly focus on understanding modern human origins, Neandertals, early hominins, and human biological variation.