Tobias Deschner’s research centers on the question how humans’ extraordinary variation in hormonal profiles may have been shaped by ecological and social factors. For example, species may have different endocrinological profiles in response to varying food availability, and food availability in turn is also linked to social behaviors, such as the use of flexible fission fusion grouping patterns. In addition to reflecting energy metabolism, hormonal profiles also enable insights into reproductive states and associated behaviors. Since, Tobias Deschner primary interest is in wild populations of great apes across Africa — which are increasingly affected by human activities — he also investigates the impact of human disturbance on stress levels and general health.