Overview
C2a (P44) represents the principal northern East Asian branch of haplogroup C2 and is deeply embedded in the paternal ancestry of Mongolic, Tungusic and several Paleo-Siberian populations. Its emergence aligns with late Upper Paleolithic population structuring across the eastern Siberian–Mongolian corridor. C2a subsequently played a major role in the Holocene and historic expansions of steppe and taiga populations, including the movements that shaped the genetic landscape of Mongolia, Manchuria and Siberia.
Geographic distribution
The highest modern concentrations of C2a occur in Mongolia, Inner Mongolia, Buryatia, Yakutia, Manchuria and among Evenk, Even and Nanai groups. It is also present in northern China, Korea and, at lower levels, Japan. Its presence in Central Asia reflects later expansions of Mongolic-speaking groups.
Ancient DNA
- Upper Paleolithic individuals from eastern Siberia show early C2a-like lineages.
- Bronze Age and Iron Age steppe communities in Mongolia carry multiple C2a subclades.
- Medieval Mongol-period burials frequently include downstream C2a branches associated with historic nomadic confederations.
Phylogeny & subclades
C2a is defined by P44 and associated markers such as M48 and M407. It diverges into several regionally important subclades that mirror the expansion of Mongolic and Tungusic populations.
Notes & context
C2a is one of the most dominant paternal markers of northern East Asia and a cornerstone of Siberian and Mongolic genetic history.
References & external links