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Y-DNA Haplogroup Atlas

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Haplogroup B-L1387

B-L1387 (B3)

Macro-haplogroup
B
Parent clade
B-M60
Formed (estimate)
c. 70,000–90,000 years before present
TMRCA (estimate)
c. 20,000–35,000 years ago

Overview

Haplogroup B-L1387, also known as B3, is the third principal branch of haplogroup B and represents one of the least sampled but most ancient surviving B lineages. It diverged early from B-M60 and remained at low population size throughout its history. Unlike the more widely distributed B-M150 and the forager-specific B-M112, B-L1387 is extremely rare and geographically fragmented, likely reflecting deep-time population isolation and strong drift effects.

Geographic distribution

B-L1387 has been observed in a small number of individuals across West and Central Africa, including populations in Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad. It also appears sporadically in East Africa. Due to its rarity, exact geographic centers are difficult to determine, but available data suggest a long-term presence in Sahelian and forest–savanna mosaic regions.

Ancient DNA

  • The antiquity of B-L1387 aligns with Pleistocene forager dispersal patterns in the Sahel and Central Africa.
  • Ancient DNA from northeastern Africa includes lineages consistent with deep B3 ancestry.
  • Its survival into the present reflects persistence of very small, isolated paternal lineages over tens of thousands of years.

Phylogeny & subclades

B-L1387 has few known subclades due to extremely limited sampling. Its position as a sister branch to both B1-M236 and the entire B-M182 radiation highlights its importance for reconstructing early African paternal phylogeny. Additional subclades may emerge with more extensive sequencing.

  • B-L1387*
  • Potential unclassified B3 microclades

Notes & context

B-L1387 is crucial for understanding the earliest stages of haplogroup B divergence. Despite its rarity today, its deep antiquity helps anchor the timeline of early African paternal diversification.