Overview
N-VL62 forms the central transitional node between the ancestral N-Z1933 and the later, more regionally specialized Finnic branches. This lineage arose during the mid-Holocene population expansions in the eastern Baltic and Volga–Oka forest zones. Genetic, linguistic and archaeological evidence associates VL62-bearing populations with the proto-Uralic and early proto-Finnic cultural horizons. The diversification of VL62 corresponds to the spread of textile ceramics, early forest-forager networks and the formation of stable settlement systems in the Baltic–Finnic homeland.
Geographic distribution
VL62 occurs at high frequency across Finland, Estonia, Karelia and northwest Russia. It is also found among Volga Finnic populations such as Mari and Udmurt at lower frequencies. The lineage’s distribution indicates a shared ancestral population predating the later medieval founder effects that created major Finnish-specific clusters.
Ancient DNA
- Ancient Baltic and Volga forest-zone individuals show markers upstream of VL62.
- The age of VL62 matches the emergence of the Proto-Finnic ethnolinguistic sphere.
- Its broad geographic diffusion supports a culturally influential early Holocene expansion.
Phylogeny & subclades
VL62 sits between Z1933 and its two major descendants: Z1941 and Z1939. This makes it a crucial middle anchor in the structure of Finnic paternal phylogeny. The balance of diversity under VL62 suggests a substantial population base prior to later bottlenecks.
Notes & context
VL62 is an essential, central node in Finnic Y-DNA studies and must be present in any complete N atlas.
References & external links