Evolution of the canine and primate social temporal lobe

Dogs and humans possess remarkable social abilities, which may arise from similar processes in their brains. While previous studies on the neural foundations and evolution of social behaviours have primarily focused on comparisons between humans and primates, this project takes a different approach by examining the brain structure and function of dogs. The goal is to determine whether the social abilities of dogs and humans evolved through convergent evolution - a process in which distantly related species independently develop similar traits to address comparable environmental challenges. At the core of this investigation is the temporal lobe, a key brain region for social abilities in humans and primates, which has evolved independently in dogs. To better understand the evolution of this region, the study compares the structure and function of the temporal lobe in dogs and their highly social relatives, such as wolves, with those in cats and their more solitary relatives, like leopards. Using advanced imaging techniques, the project will also quantitatively analyse similarities and differences in brain organization between dogs, their close relatives, and humans. The aim is to determine whether dogs and humans have brain regions that perform similar functions but are also embedded in analogous networks. Furthermore, the study will test whether the temporal lobe in animals with strong social skills exhibits a more complex structural organization compared to that of more solitary animals. Finally, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) will be used to examine whether dogs, like humans and primates, have brain regions dedicated to forming expectations and predictions about the outcomes of social interactionsan essential skill for complex social behaviour. Ultimately, this project aims to uncover new insights into the evolution, structure, and function of the social brain, contributing to a deeper understanding of the unique features of human social cognition.