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The Y-Chromosome Tapestry

An in-depth exploration of Y-DNA haplogroups, charting the ancient migrations and genetic markers that define our shared paternal heritage.

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Understanding Y-DNA Haplogroups

Defining Y-DNA Haplogroups

In human genetics, a human Y-chromosome DNA haplogroup is defined by specific mutations in the non-recombining portions of the Y chromosome (Y-DNA). Individuals within a haplogroup share similar numbers of short tandem repeats (STRs) and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The Y-chromosome accumulates mutations over generations, and Y-DNA haplogroups represent significant branches of the Y-chromosome phylogenetic tree, each characterized by unique mutations.

Y-Chromosomal Adam

The Y-chromosomal most recent common ancestor (Y-MRCA), often referred to as Y-chromosomal Adam, is the most recent common ancestor from whom all currently living humans are descended patrilineally. Y-chromosomal Adam is estimated to have lived approximately 236,000 years ago in Africa. Examining population bottlenecks, most Eurasian men trace their descent from an African ancestor who lived around 69,000 years ago (Haplogroup CT).

Migration and Bottlenecks

The Y-chromosome lineage reflects human migration patterns. Population bottlenecks, periods where genetic diversity significantly reduces, have shaped the distribution of haplogroups. For instance, a strong bottleneck around 7,000 years ago, potentially linked to cultural changes, drastically reduced Y-chromosome diversity globally.

The Phylogenetic Tree

The relationships between Y-DNA haplogroups are visualized through a phylogenetic tree. This tree illustrates the evolutionary descent, with major haplogroups branching off based on the accumulation of specific genetic markers (SNPs). Below is a representation of this complex structure:

Y-chromosomal Adam

Haplogroup A

BT

Haplogroup B

CT
DE

Haplogroup D

Haplogroup E

CF

Haplogroup C

F

Haplogroup G

HIJK

Haplogroup H

IJK
IJ

Haplogroup I

Haplogroup J

K
LT

Haplogroup L

Haplogroup T

K2
K2a

Haplogroup N

Haplogroup O

K2b
K2b1

Haplogroup S

Haplogroup M

P

Haplogroup Q

Haplogroup R

Haplogroup Naming Conventions

Standardized Nomenclature

Y-DNA haplogroups are defined by specific single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genetic markers. The Y Chromosome Consortium (YCC) developed a system for naming major haplogroups using capital letters (A through T). Subclades are further designated using numbers and lowercase letters. This "longhand" nomenclature provides a detailed evolutionary path.

Evolving Terminology

The field of genetic genealogy is dynamic, with new SNPs constantly being discovered. This leads to changes and expansions in the Y-chromosome phylogenetic tree and nomenclature. Consequently, different sources may use varying or outdated naming conventions. The trend is towards adopting simpler "shorthand" nomenclature, which uses the first letter of the major haplogroup followed by a dash and the defining terminal SNP (e.g., R-M207).

Key Haplogroups and Distributions

&

Haplogroup A is the most basal macrohaplogroup, originating in Africa. It is sparsely distributed, concentrated among Khoisan populations in the southwest and Nilotic populations in the northeast. Haplogroup BT is a major branch originating from Haplogroup A.

&

Haplogroup C (M130) is found across Asia, Oceania, and North America. Haplogroup D (CTS3946) is prevalent in East Asia, particularly Japan and Tibet, and also found in the Andaman Islands.

&

Haplogroup E (M96) is predominantly found in Africa and parts of the Middle East and Europe, with significant branches like E1b1b common in North Africa and the Middle East. Haplogroup G (M201) originated in West Asia and spread into Europe with the Neolithic expansion, being common in the Caucasus, Iran, and Anatolia.

, ,

Haplogroup H likely emerged in Central or South Asia. Haplogroup I (M170) is primarily found in Europe and the Caucasus, with I1 common in Northern Europe and I2 in the Balkans. Haplogroup J (M304) is prevalent in the Middle East, Caucasus, and Southeast Europe.

, , , , , ,

Haplogroup K is widespread across Eurasia and Oceania. Its descendants include L (South Asia, Mediterranean), T (Horn of Africa, Middle East, Mediterranean), N (Northern Eurasia), O (East and Southeast Asia), P (Central Asia, Siberia), Q (Siberia, Americas), and R (Europe, West Asia, Central Asia, South Asia). R1a and R1b are particularly significant in Eurasian populations.

Chronological Development of Haplogroups

The estimated times of origin and TMRCA (Time to Most Recent Common Ancestor) for major Y-DNA haplogroups provide a timeline of human paternal lineage evolution and migration.

Haplogroup Possible time of origin Possible place of origin Possible TMRCA
A00 235,900 or 275,000 years ago Africa 235,900 years ago
BT 130,700 years ago Africa 88,000 years ago
CT 88,000 or 101-100,000 years ago Africa 68,500 years ago
E 65,200, 69,000, or 73,000 years ago East Africa or Asia 53,100 years ago
F 65,900 years ago Eurasia 48,800 years ago
G 48,500 years ago West Asia 26,200 years ago
IJ 47,200 years ago West Asia 42,900 years ago
K 47,200 years ago Asia 45,400 years ago
P 45,400 years ago Asia 31,900 years ago
J 42,900 years ago West Asia 31,600 years ago
I 42,900 years ago Europe 27,500 years ago
E-M215 (E1b1b) 42,300 years ago East Africa 34,800 years ago
E-V38 (E1b1a) 42,300 years ago East Africa 40,100 years ago
N 36,800 years ago Asia 22,100 years ago
E1b1b-M35 34,800 years ago East Africa 24,100 years ago
R 31,900 years ago Asia 28,200 years ago
J-M267 (J1) 31,600 years ago West Asia 18,500 years ago
J-M172 (J2) 31,600 years ago West Asia 27,800 years ago
R-M173 (R1) 28,200 years ago Asia 22,800 years ago
I-M253 (I1) 27,500 years ago Europe 4,600 years ago
I-M438 (I2) 27,500 years ago Europe 21,800 years ago
R-M420 (R1a) 22,800 years ago Eurasia 18,300 years ago
R-M343 (R1b) 22,800 years ago Eurasia 20,400 years ago
I2a-L460 (I2a) 21,800 years ago Europe 21,100 years ago
I2a-P37 21,100 years ago Europe 18,500 years ago
E1b1b-M78 19,800 years ago Northeast Africa 13,400 years ago
I2a-M423 18,500 years ago Europe 13,500 years ago
I2a-M223 17,400 years ago Europe 12,100 years ago
N1c-M178 14,200 years ago Asia 11,900 years ago
R1a-M17 14,100 years ago Eastern Europe 8,500 years ago
R1b-M269 13,300 years ago Eastern Europe 6,400 years ago
E1b1b-V12 11,800 years ago North Africa 9,900 years ago
E-U175 (E1b1a8) 9,200 years ago East Africa 8,500 years ago
E1b1b-V13 8,100 years ago Southern Europe 4,800 years ago
E-M191 (E1b1a7) 7,400 years ago East Africa 6,400 years ago
E-U174 (E1b1a-U174) 6,400 years ago East Africa 5,300 years ago
R1b-L151 5,800 years ago Eastern Europe 4,800 years ago
R1a-Z280 5,000 years ago Eastern Europe 4,600 years ago
R1a-M458 4,700 years ago Eastern Europe 4,700 years ago

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References

References

  1.  International Society of Genetic Genealogy (ISOGG; 2015), Y-DNA Haplogroup Tree 2015. (Access date: 1 February 2015.)
  2.  Haplogroup K2b1 (P397/P399) is also known as Haplogroup MS, but has a broader and more complex internal structure.
  3.  Haplogroup S, as of 2017, is also known as K2b1a. (Previously the name Haplogroup S was assigned to K2b1a4.)
  4.  Haplogroup M, as of 2017, is also known as K2b1b. (Previously the name Haplogroup M was assigned to K2b1d.)
  5.  ISOGG, 2016, Y-DNA Haplogroup P and its Subclades รขย€ย“ 2016 (20 June 2016).
  6.  ftDNA
A full list of references for this article are available at the Human Y-chromosome DNA haplogroup Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional genetic or genealogical advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional genetic counseling, ancestry analysis, or consultation with qualified genetic genealogists. Always consult with qualified professionals for specific genetic or genealogical inquiries.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.