John Tooby is an American psychologist and a prominent figure in the field of evolutionary psychology. He is best known for his work on the development of the theoretical framework that explains human behavior through the lens of evolution. Along with his collaborator, Leda Cosmides, he co-founded the Center for Evolutionary Psychology at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Tooby's research focuses on how the human mind has been shaped by natural selection, influencing various aspects of behavior, cognition, and social interactions. His contributions have significantly advanced the understanding of how evolutionary principles apply to psychology, making him a key figure in the study of human nature and behavior.