Overview
Haplogroup C2 (M217) is one of the most widespread paternal lineages in northern and eastern Eurasia and stands as one of the major macro-branches of haplogroup C. Throughout the late Pleistocene and Holocene, C2 lineages became deeply embedded among Mongolic, Tungusic, Turkic, and numerous Siberian forager populations. Its internal structure captures multiple demographic expansions, including large-scale north Asian steppe radiations and the movements of medieval and early historic nomadic groups.
Geographic distribution
C2 reaches high frequencies in Mongolia, Buryatia, Yakutia, Manchuria, northern China, and among several Siberian groups including Evenks and Yukaghirs. It is moderately common in Central Asia and appears in Japan (Ainu/Jōmon-related signals) and Korea. Smaller distributions occur in Tibet, parts of Southeast Asia, and the Americas via Beringian ancestry.
Ancient DNA
- Upper Paleolithic Siberians carry C2-related lineages reflecting early northern Eurasian population structure.
- Neolithic and Bronze Age steppe individuals in Mongolia and eastern Siberia show strong continuity with C2 expansions.
- Medieval nomadic confederations, including early Mongolic and Tungusic groups, carried dominant C2 subclades.
Phylogeny & subclades
C2 divides into major branches such as C2a, C2b and C2c, each containing regionally associated subclades. C2a dominates among Mongolic and Tungusic speakers, while C2b includes Southeast Asian and Pacific lineages.
Notes & context
C2 is fundamental for understanding the genetic history of Siberia, Mongolia, Northeast Asia and the prehistoric peopling of the Americas.
References & external links