What is the genetic origin source for the majority of modern English and Welsh water vole populations (Clade 2)?
Answer
An Eastern European source
The two main colonization waves that shaped the modern British water vole structure trace back to distinct geographical sources. Clade 2, which comprises the majority of modern English and Welsh populations, is genetically derived from an Eastern European source. This wave arrived later, successfully replacing the initial colonizers (Clade 1) across England between 12,000 and 8,000 BP. Conversely, Clade 1, linked to the Scottish population, shows a strong genetic affinity to the Iberian glacial refugia, indicating a much earlier and more southerly survival pathway during the Ice Age cycles.
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