Colonization of the Scottish islands via long-distance Neolithic transport of red deer (Cervus elaphus).

ABSTRACT: Red deer (Cervus elaphus) have played a key role in human societies throughout history, with important cultural significance and as a source of food and materials. This relationship can be traced back to the earliest human cultures and continues to the present day. Humans are thought to be responsible for the movement of a considerable number of deer throughout history, although the majority of these movements are poorly described or understood. Studying such translocations allows us to better understand ancient human-wildlife interactions, and in the case of island colonizations, informs us about ancient human maritime practices. This study uses DNA sequences to characterise red deer genetic diversity across the Scottish islands (Inner and Outer Hebrides and Orkney) and mainland using anc

SUBMITTER: Stanton DW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4843653 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature