The Vole clock is a method of dating archaeological strata using vole teeth. Investigations at sites across Europe have allowed construction of a detailed framework of how different vole species evolved over the last million years, and where and when specific species became extinct.[1]
For many sites it is considered the most accurate way of dating, and also provides information on the climate and local environment e.g. in the Pleistocene.[1] Dr. Francis Wenban-Smith of Southampton University, a Stone Age specialist on assignment for Oxford Archaeology, described the Vole clock as "one of the wonders of modern science".[2] However, an article published by Robert A. Martin concludes that "Sampling, chronological, and statistical issues seriously limit the accuracy and thus practical application of vole clocks generated from fossil arvicolid rodent samples"[3] Martin points out that size change (in teeth and animals) does not move in one direction and can reverse.
References
- ^ a b Currant, Andy (Natural History Museum, London) (2000). "2000 series: Elveden, Suffolk". Time Team. Channel 4. Archived from the original on 2008-01-17. Retrieved 31 May 2014.
- ^ "Elephant Hunters". Oxford Archaeology. Retrieved 31 May 2014.
- ^ Martin, Robert A. (2014-06-15). "A critique of vole clocks". Quaternary Science Reviews. 94: 1–6. doi:10.1016/j.quascirev.2014.03.004. ISSN 0277-3791.
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