A · BT · CT · CF · J · J2-M172 · J2a-L26 · J2a-Z6057
J2a (Z6057-defined branch)
J2a-Z6057 represents an intermediate structural branch within J2a, connecting the major L26 backbone with downstream lineages observed in the Near East, Central Asia, and parts of South Asia. Although less widely studied compared to larger J2a expansions, Z6057 is phylogenetically important because it anchors several rare or regionally localized descendant clades such as J2a-M68.
Present-day frequencies are highest across the Iranian Plateau, northern South Asia, and scattered pockets of Central Asia. It appears at low but consistent levels in the Caucasus and eastern Near East.
J2a-Z6057 sits downstream of J2a-L26 and upstream of several small but distinct descendant clades such as J2a-M68. It provides phylogenetic structure for otherwise isolated terminals and helps clarify the expansion patterns of early eastern J2a populations.
This node appears as the parent of J2a-M68 in the dataset and is necessary for maintaining a correct J2a lineage hierarchy.