Overview
O-F237 is a downstream branch of the large O-F5 cluster within O2-M122 and represents an important component of the paternal structure of northern and central Han Chinese populations. The clade emerged during the mid-Holocene, at a time when agricultural societies in the Yellow River basin and adjacent regions were undergoing substantial demographic growth. F237-bearing lineages likely participated in the spread of early Chinese cultural traditions and in the formation of regional patrilineal clans.
Geographic distribution
Modern carriers of O-F237 are concentrated in northern and central China, with notable frequencies in provinces such as Henan, Hebei, Shandong and Shanxi. The lineage also appears in lower frequencies in Korea and Japan and sporadically among other East Asian populations influenced by Chinese migration.
Ancient DNA
- Population genetic modelling suggests that O-F237 diversified in the context of mid-Holocene farming communities in northern China.
- Its estimated age overlaps with the later phases of Neolithic cultural horizons such as Longshan.
- The lineage contributes to the internal differentiation of the broad O-F5 megacluster.
Phylogeny & subclades
Within the O-F5 cluster, F237 forms one of the principal downstream branches and is parallel to other F5-derived lineages that expanded in different parts of East Asia. Its internal structure shows several short, closely spaced mutations, consistent with founder events and local clan expansion.
- O-F237*
- Regional Han Chinese derivatives
Notes & context
O-F237 refines the O-F5 structure and helps resolve regional paternal differences inside core Han Chinese populations.
References & external links