The prehistoric origins of Orcadian cultural exchange networks: biomolecular and morphometric studies of Orkney voles

The Orkney vole (Microtus arvialis orcadensis) is unique to being the only non-domestic animal introduced into the British Isles by Neolithic farmers. By analysing the differences/ similarities in tooth shape and DNA from their modern and ancient remains, we will explore their geographic origins in prehistory, which in turn will provide important new information about the continental European origins and exchange networks of the early human inhabitants of Orkney.