Isaac Jervis

Research project

Faunal sex-selectivity in ancient hunter-gatherer societies: insights from protein-based sex identification

Supervisors: Dr Jessica Hendy (University of York) and Prof. Ester Oras (University of Tartu)

Funding: Addressing the Challenge of Changing Environments (ACCE+) DLA

Summary of research project:

This project will investigate the sex-selection of deer species by hunter-gatherer groups in Northern Europe, using analysis of the protein amelogenin. Preserved in tooth enamel, amelogenin occurs in some Eutherian mammals as x- or y-isoforms (from genes located on the x and y chromosome), enabling the estimation of biological sex in fossil teeth.The project will investigate the extent to which past people deliberately targeted particular animals based on sex due to preferential hunting practices or even cultural factors. This data will then be examined in the context of changing environmental conditions of the early Holocene.

Profile

Isaac previously completed a BSc in Archaeological Science and MSc in Bioarchaeology (Zooarchaeology) at the University of Exeter. During these he focused on the application of stable isotopes to zooarchaeology, particularly exploring the movement of animals through strontium stable isotopes. In his PhD Isaac continues to explore Human-Animal relationships through the techniques of archaeological science.

Publications and Academic Awards

Publications:

Jervis, I., Pryor, A., and Rippon, S. (2025) Isotopic analysis of Roman animal bone, in Rippon, S. (ed.) Landscape and Society in Dumnonia: Iron Age, Roman, and Early Medieval Ipplepen and the Countryside of South-West England, Oxford: Oxbow Books, pp.238-247