A study conducted suggests that dogs possess a fundamental numerical understanding, perceiving changes in quantity similar to humans. Published in Biology Letters, the research sheds light on shared numeric brain functions across species, presenting potential implications for medical applications.
As reported in Science Magazine, the study challenges the perception of dogs solely as companions, revealing their capacity to process numbers in a manner reminiscent of humans.
Some investigation into the “approximate number system” illustrates that dogs may not precisely count numbers like humans, but they exhibit an awareness of quantity. The study indicates that dogs can discern variations in food portions and respond to changes in the quantity of treats, showcasing their understanding of numerical concepts.
This collaborative research indicates that several animal species may share a common, untrained brain function related to numbers, which sets it apart from other studies involving trained animals.
Eleven dogs of various breeds underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging as part of the study. The dogs were placed in scanners and trained to focus on shifting patterns of gray dots. This allowed the researchers to watch activity in the parietotemporal cortex, which is similar to the parietal cortex in humans and is in charge of understanding changes in numbers.
What were the findings?
Out of the 11 dogs tested, eight displayed behavior patterns similar to the human brain, indicating sensitivity to numerical changes. The remaining three dogs did not pass the scanning test, with the discrepancy attributed to individual breeds.
Psychologist Lauren Aulet, a contributor to the study, discussed the potential significance of this breakthrough in understanding how dogs perceive changes in quantity. The research holds promise for providing valuable insights into treating brain abnormalities and suggests exciting possibilities for future scientific investigations.
