Perspectives on the Holocene in Britain: Human DNA

Evison, Martin (1999) Perspectives on the Holocene in Britain: Human DNA. Journal of Quaternary Science, 14 (6). pp. 615-623. ISSN 0267-8179

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Abstract

Analysis of genetically-based variation in human populations has been possible for nearly a century. Recently, DNA sequence-based methods have begun to replace protein-based methods leading to a higher resolution, but more complex results. Patterns of gene distribution may be established with statistical reliability, but understanding them in terms of history is a process of interpretation; multidisciplinary research is essential. A brief synopsis of the Holocene in Britain is presented, based on the genetic data, but with reference to archaeology, palaeoecology, ethnology and linguistics. The genetic history of Britain is a Holocene history. Patterns of gene distributions can be seen as the consequence of social processes and of selection. The major events are: the reoccupation of Britain in the Late Upper Palaeolithic/Early Mesolithic (c. 10,000~7,500 bp), social and demographic development during the Mesol ith ic (7,500~6,000 bp), and the Mesol ithic-Neolithic transition (6,0004,000 bp). Interpretations of the transition based on socia I interaction, intermarriage and minor genetic input are most consistent with the broad evidence. An extreme " indigenist" position is not supported.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	mesolithic, linguistic, archaeology, DNA
Subjects:	F400 Forensic and Archaeological Science
Department:	Faculties > Health and Life Sciences > Applied Sciences
Depositing User:	Martin Evison
Date Deposited:	08 May 2015 11:07
Last Modified:	12 Oct 2019 17:29
URI:	http://nrl.northumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/22348

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