| Despite Scotland's complex genetic history, few physical anthropological studies have been done. Since the original peopling (thought to have been from England, Ireland, or Scandinavia), many distinct groups have existed in Scotland. Indigenous groups include the Picts (found north of the Forth-Clyde line) and Britons (found south of the Forth-Clyde line) and later groups include Scots, Romans, Northumbrians, and Vikings. Each faction had an effect on the population structure of Scotland. To date, few studies have determined genetic differences within Scotland, especially with regards to differential rates of gene flow from invading groups.; The present study adds to our knowledge of Scotland's population structure. Dental morphological traits were examined from four regions of Scotland: Whithorn in the southwest, Aberdeen in the northeast, St. Andrews in the east, and Linlithgow in the central southeast. Arizona State University System traits were examined using the individual count method. Samples were analyzed individually as well as in a pooled Scotland sample. Scottish data were compared with previously collected dental morphological data from England, Denmark, Holland, Ireland, Norway, and Viking Greenland. Inter-group comparisons were made using the chi-square statistic and the multivariate mean measure of divergence (MMD). To assist visualize relationships, MMD values were used in multi-dimensional scaling and clustering analysis. Principal components analysis was also utilized to illustrate relationships and to determine which dental traits contributed to variability.; Results show that all Scottish samples, as well as the pooled Scottish sample, are most similar to the English sample. The Irish sample, although similar, shows slightly greater differences than the English sample. These results are consistent with a peopling of Scotland from England, although they do not rule out a peopling from Ireland. Although regional comparisons are similar, differences exist between Scottish samples, which can be linked to archaeological information. Aberdeen, the sample archaeologically and historically most isolated from the above-mentioned invaders was least like other Scottish and European samples. Whithorn and Linlithgow, regions with the most gene flow from Northumbria, had the lowest MMD values with Denmark. Linlithgow, the most central sample with the most gene flow, had the greatest similarity with all other samples. Overall, the dental evidence is consistent with the archaeology and genetics of the region. |
