Overview
O-F46 is a key descendant of O-F79 and represents one of the best known Neolithic paternal founder lineages in East Asia. It has been repeatedly highlighted in Chinese and international studies as part of a small set of Y-chromosome lineages that experienced massive expansion during the Neolithic in the Central Plain. Males bearing F46 likely belonged to populations that benefited from early agricultural intensification, social stratification and the emergence of complex chiefdoms and proto-states.
Geographic distribution
O-F46 is frequent in north and central Han Chinese populations and has been reported in Korea and Japan. It appears in various regional surname-based Y trees in China, where it often forms the core of extended patrilineal clans. Low frequencies occur in some southern Chinese and Southeast Asian groups through later migrations.
Ancient DNA
- Ancient genomes from Neolithic and early historic sites in northern China have been assigned to O2a2b1a2a1 lineages related to F46.
- Chronological estimates for F46 align with the time window of major Neolithic population growth in the Central Plain.
- Studies of Y-chromosome diversity show a star-like pattern under F46, consistent with a strong founder event.
Phylogeny & subclades
In the detailed O2 phylogeny, O-F46 corresponds to O2a2b1a2a1. It sits above further derived branches such as O-FGC16847, O-F48 and others. Together, these form a tightly connected super-lineage within the broader O-M117 and O-M134 framework.
Notes & context
Because of its large modern descendant population and clear star-like branching, O-F46 is widely discussed as one of the Chinese Neolithic super-grandfather lineages.
References & external links