Dr. Erin Hecht

Dr. Carly Ameen, a bioarchaeologist who analyzed 600+ ancient canid skulls, and Dr. Erin Hecht, an evolutionary biologist studying the Russian silver fox experiment, explore how dog diversity emerged long before Victorian breed standards. They discuss early skull variation, Eurasian origins, roles dogs filled in human societies, and rapid behavioral and brain changes seen in domestication experiments.

Dr. Erin Hecht, an Assistant Professor at Harvard and director of the Canine Brains Project, delves into the fascinating evolution of dog brains. She explains how domestic dogs have adapted anatomically through various domestication waves. Discussing breed-specific brain structures linked to functions like scent hunting and social interaction reveals the complexity of canine cognition. Erin also shares insights on dogs’ shared language pathways with humans and the implications of contemporary breeding practices on dog health and behavior.