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 taxa 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] Among his critiques, Martin points out that size change (in teeth and animals) is not uniform over time and does not necessarily move in one direction.

References

  1. 1 2 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.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  2. ↑ "Elephant Hunters". Oxford Archaeology. Retrieved 31 May 2014.
  3. ↑ 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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