Barbara Boardman Smuts[1] is an American anthropologist and psychologist noted for her research into baboons, dolphins, and chimpanzees, and a Professor Emeritus at University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
Smuts moved to Michigan with her family in 1960, and in 1969 to Ann Arbor whilst her mother obtained her Ph.D.[1] She has an undergraduate degree from Harvard University in anthropology, and did a Ph.D. in neurological and biological behavioral science at Stanford Medical School with David Hamburg.
[2][3] Much of Smuts' research concerns the development of social relationships between animals, particularly among chimpanzee and baboon populations.
[4] Smuts began studies of wild baboons in 1976,[5] and her observations challenged the prevailing view of male dominance.
[7] Smuts also carried out research into bottlenose dolphin social development, working extensively with Janet Mann.