What geological feature allowed the second water vole wave (Clade 2) to reach Britain before its inundation?
Answer
The Doggerland land bridge
The second wave of colonization into Great Britain, represented by genetic Clade 2, is strongly associated with arrival across the Doggerland land bridge. This area previously connected Britain to continental Europe. Crucially, this land bridge underwent final inundation, meaning the arrival of Clade 2 occurred shortly before this connection was completely submerged beneath the sea, an event dated to approximately 8,000 BP. This contrasts sharply with Clade 1, the first wave, which was already established in Southern England before the LGM and likely persisted in milder regions like Wales or Scotland during glacial peaks.
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