A · BT · CT · F · K · K2 · K2b · NO

Haplogroup NO

NO-M214

Macro-haplogroup

Parent clade

K2b

Formed (estimate)

c. 38,000–42,000 years before present

TMRCA (estimate)

c. 20,000–25,000 years ago

M214
F1833
CTS5858

Overview

Haplogroup NO (M214) is the ancestral lineage of the two dominant paternal clades of East and Northeast Asia: N and O. Forming among Paleolithic populations of East or Southeast Asia, NO marks a major turning point in the demographic development of the region. Its descendants were responsible for sweeping expansions across northern Eurasia (haplogroup N) and the demographic shaping of East Asia, Southeast Asia and much of the Pacific Rim (haplogroup O).

Geographic distribution

Basal NO* lineages are exceedingly rare, with isolated occurrences in Southeast Asia and southern China. Its descendant branches N and O encompass the majority of East and Northeast Asian paternal diversity.

Ancient DNA

Early Holocene individuals in southern China show basal NO signatures.
Northern East Asian prehistoric genomes reveal upstream NO ancestry predating the N–O split.
Southeast Asian late Pleistocene individuals align with ancestral NO-bearing populations.

Phylogeny & subclades

NO is defined by M214 and divides cleanly into two major branches: N and O. Both underwent major Holocene expansions.

Notes & context