Overview
The Andean Highlands Core Subbranch represents a consolidated cluster of Q-M848 lineages adapted to high-altitude environments of the central Andes. These lineages trace back to populations that occupied the Cordillera region during the early Holocene, engaging in high-altitude foraging strategies before the emergence of permanent settlements. Through time, these groups became central to the genetic ancestry of later Andean civilizations, including the Wari, Tiwanaku, and Inca cultural spheres. Their demographic history shows repeated population expansions tied to the rise of agriculture, camelid domestication, and complex social organization.
Geographic distribution
Highest frequencies are found among Quechua and Aymara populations of Peru and Bolivia. Low to moderate frequencies also appear among Andean-descended groups of northern Chile and northwest Argentina. Distribution patterns follow the central highland valleys, puna ecosystems, and inter-Andean corridors.
Ancient DNA
- Mid-Holocene remains from the central Andes exhibit ancestry linked to early M848 highland groups.
- Ancient individuals from the Lake Titicaca basin show clear ties to Andean M848 core lineages.
- Genetic continuity across 3,000–7,000 years highlights long-term high-altitude adaptation and cultural stability.
Phylogeny & subclades
Contains several parallel subbranches correlated with Andean valleys such as Cusco, Titicaca, and central Peruvian puna regions. Population structure indicates repeated bottlenecks within discrete high-altitude basins.
- Cusco-valley cluster
- Titicaca highland cluster
- Central Andean puna cluster
Notes & context
A key lineage for reconstructing Andean civilization ancestry, with relevance to high-altitude adaptation studies.
References & external links