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Haplogroup C2b

C2b-F1067

Macro-haplogroup

Parent clade

Formed (estimate)

c. 30,000–35,000 years before present

TMRCA (estimate)

c. 10,000–14,000 years ago

F1067
M93
Z33105

Overview

C2b represents the southern extension of the C2 radiation, linked to early coastal dispersals across island Southeast Asia and the Pacific. This clade reflects a long continuum of maritime mobility connecting the Philippines, eastern Indonesia, Micronesia and parts of Melanesia. Unlike the northern-focused C2a, C2b’s structure preserves traces of early Holocene island-hopping populations and later Austronesian expansions.

Geographic distribution

C2b is found primarily in the Philippines, eastern Indonesia (Maluku, Sulawesi), Micronesia, and coastal Melanesia. Minor frequencies appear in Taiwan and Borneo, often linked to Austronesian maritime networks.

Ancient DNA

Late Pleistocene individuals from Wallacea exhibit paternal signals consistent with early C2b branches.
Holocene islander populations from the Philippines and Micronesia show lineages ancestral to C2b microbranches.
Early Austronesian-associated remains in island Southeast Asia contain C2b subclades corresponding to the onset of maritime expansions.

Phylogeny & subclades

Defined by F1067 and related SNPs, C2b forms a southern cluster distinct from the northern Mongolic–Tungusic C2a radiation. Its internal structure mirrors island dispersal dynamics and small, isolated populations.

C2b1
C2b2
C2b*

Notes & context