Early colonization before inundation consistent with northern glacial refugia in Southern Doggerland revealed by sedimentary ancient DNA
Allaby RG, Ware R, Cribdon R, Hansford TA, Kinnaird T, Hamilton D, Kistler L, Murgatroyd P, Bates R, Fitch S, Gaffney V.
Abstract
The Doggerland landmass connected North-Western Europe during the Late Pleistocene (approximately 129 to 11.7 ka) and Early Holocene (approximately 11.7 to 8.2 ka) and was likely a key area for Mesolithic peoples. In this study, we show the early presence of temperate species including a species thought extinct, indicating a likely close proximity of refugia with important resource implications for Mesolithic peoples. We also show that ecological turnover combined with sediment turnover can be used to understand the taphonomic processes leading to sedimentary ancient DNA (sedaDNA) deposition and reworking. Using this approach, we show that in alluvial systems fine sediments are associated with secure deposits, but more sandy deposits are at greater risk of giving mixed ecological profiles through reworked sedaDNA.
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