Overview
G* (basal G) represents the unstructured paraphyletic root of haplogroup G, defined by M201 and additional early derived mutations. This lineage captures the earliest known stage of G’s formation before the bifurcation into G1 and G2. While no large surviving branches of G* persist today, rare whole-genome sequences occasionally show individuals sitting extremely close to the base of haplogroup G.
These basal lineages provide critical information about the earliest dispersal of haplogroup F-derived populations into the highlands and foothills of western Asia during the Late Pleistocene. G* likely corresponds to hunter–gatherer communities inhabiting the southern Caucasus, northern Mesopotamia and the eastern Anatolian uplands.
Geographic distribution
True G* is not found as a discrete modern lineage due to extensive divergence over 30,000 years. However, rare deep-rooted Iranian, Caucasus or Anatolian individuals occasionally sit at or near the G stem. These reflect either unbroken continuity from ancient West Asian foragers or incomplete sampling of modern diversity.
Ancient DNA
- Possible basal G signals appear in Upper Paleolithic genomic fragments from the Caucasus and northern Mesopotamia.
- The earliest archaeological contexts linked to G* likely include late Pleistocene highland forager societies prior to the development of agriculture.
- No direct fully confirmed G* genomes exist due to extreme age and limited sample preservation.
Phylogeny & subclades
G* forms the trunk preceding the G1–G2 split. Its phylogenetic depth is immense, and most of its structure has been absorbed into the later branching patterns of G1 and G2.
- G* (undiverged)
- rare basal G lineages resolved via WGS
Notes & context
G* is essential for the atlas because it anchors the macrostructure of haplogroup G, providing context for understanding its emergence, early refugial demography and how its branches—particularly G2a—became central to the Neolithic transition.
References & external links