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Haplogroup Q-Z19400

Q-Z19400 (Amazonian–Andean diversification lineage)

Macro-haplogroup

Parent clade

Q-M3

Formed (estimate)

c. 12,000–14,000 years before present

TMRCA (estimate)

c. 6,000–9,000 years ago

Z19400

Overview

Q-Z19400 is a major Amazonian–Andean lineage under Q-M3 and represents one of the most important paternal radiations in tropical South America. Its branching structure reflects deep diversification within the Amazon Basin, followed by expansions into the Andean highlands and adjacent regions. This clade is essential for understanding the demographic and cultural evolution of early Amazonian societies.

Geographic distribution

Very common among Amazonian populations (Arawak, Tupi-Guarani, Pano, Karib) and present in Andean groups where it overlaps with M848-derived lineages. Its distribution highlights both riverine expansions within the Amazon and later upland migrations.

Ancient DNA

Ancient DNA from the Amazon Basin reveals paternal signatures consistent with Z19400-level ancestry.
Its diversification corresponds to early-mid Holocene population structures tied to river networks and ecological zones.
The lineage shows strong founder effects in several Amazonian macro-ethnic groups.

Phylogeny & subclades

Z19400 is one of the three largest M3-descended branches, parallel to Y4300 and M848. Its internal structure contains multiple Amazon-focused branches with high genetic drift.

Q-Z19400*
Regional Amazonian lineages

Notes & context