Localizing Cognitive Regions Involved in Juvenile Facial Recognition in Dogs Using fMRI Open Access

Aberman, Layla (Spring 2022)

Permanent URL: https://etd.library.emory.edu/concern/etds/qz20st810?locale=en
Published

Abstract

Research has shown that dogs have brain regions that recognize and respond to human faces. However, little research has been done to examine how dogs respond to juvenile faces both within and outside of their own species. Humans show significant activation in the lateral premotor cortex, supplementary motor area, middle cingulate gyrus, anterior insula, thalamus, and fusiform gyrus, which are associated with preparedness to act and speak, social and emotional responsiveness, and parental attachment respectively. Thus, we scanned awake, unrestrained dogs that are trained for fMRI studies while viewing images of adult and infant humans and dogs. In our study, we found greater activation in the ectolateralis posterior within the dog face area at a significance level of p<0.05 in response to adult stimuli, a novel finding that we discuss potential reasoning for. This study gives us a better understanding of the relationship dogs have with humans and their ability to care for and bond with humans, and sheds insight into our understanding of dogs’ ability to form familial relationships outside of their species.

Table of Contents

1. Abstract (Page 1)

2. Introduction (Page 2)

3. Materials and Methods (Page 4)

4. Results (Page 9)

5. Discussion (Page 10)

6. Conclusion (Page 11)

7. Citations (Page 13)

8.Figures and Tables (Page 16)

About this Honors Thesis

Rights statement
  • Permission granted by the author to include this thesis or dissertation in this repository. All rights reserved by the author. Please contact the author for information regarding the reproduction and use of this thesis or dissertation.
School
Department
Subfield / Discipline
Degree
Submission
Language
  • English
Research Field
Keyword
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor
Committee Members
Last modified

Primary PDF

Supplemental Files