Overview
Q-M242 represents the root of the entire haplogroup Q lineage, which forms one of the most important paternal branches of Eurasia and the primary paternal lineage of the Indigenous peoples of the Americas. Emerging during the Late Upper Paleolithic, Q-M242 is closely tied to the demographic and ecological dynamics of north-central Eurasia, particularly populations living in the Altay-Sayan region. From these northern Eurasian ancestors, several sublineages of Q ultimately contributed to the settlement of the Americas.
Geographic distribution
Today, Q-M242 and its downstream lineages occur at high frequencies among Native American peoples, while in Eurasia the haplogroup is present across Siberia, the Altay region, Central Asia, parts of the Middle East, South Asia and Eastern Europe. Eurasian Q lineages are more diverse but generally less frequent, while American lineages experienced strong founder effects.
Ancient DNA
- Pleistocene-era Siberian samples show lineages upstream of Q-M242, indicating deep roots in north-central Eurasia.
- Genomic studies of the Mal'ta–Buret complex demonstrate ancestral connections between Ancient North Eurasians (ANE) and early Q-bearing populations.
- The arrival of Q-derived lineages in the Americas is estimated to have occurred via Beringia between ~16,000 and 14,000 years ago.
Phylogeny & subclades
Q-M242 is the parent of the major downstream clusters Q1 and Q2, which themselves host dozens of recognized regional branches. The deep divergence between Q1 and Q2 reflects early population structuring in late Pleistocene Siberia.
Notes & context
Q-M242 is a crucial lineage for reconstructing the peopling of the Americas and the demographic history of Siberia.
References & external links