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Y-DNA Haplogroup Atlas

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Haplogroup R-L62

Macro-haplogroup
R
Parent clade
R-PF6135
Formed (estimate)
c. 25,000 - 30,000 years before present (estimate)
TMRCA (estimate)
c. 21,000 - 27,000 years ago (estimate)

Overview

Haplogroup R-L62 represents an early transition node in the upstream structure of haplogroup R, marking a deeper layer between PF6135 and the emergence of the R1 and R2 macro lineages. R-L62 is extremely rare today, and many occurrences historically attributed to L62 are now understood to belong to refined subclades within R1 or R2 after full sequencing. Nonetheless, L62 remains essential as a phylogenetic landmark, preserving information about early R branching patterns during a period of intense climatic stress and low population density in northern Eurasia. During the formation of R-L62, populations carrying this lineage likely occupied harsh steppe and forest steppe zones, with mobility patterns driven by seasonal hunting cycles. These groups were part of the broader Upper Paleolithic networks that extended from Siberia into Central Asia and toward Eastern Europe. Although R-L62 contributed minimally to surviving modern paternal diversity, its downstream branches fed into the lineages that later expanded dramatically during the Bronze Age.

Geographic distribution

True R-L62(xR1,R2) is exceptionally rare and not reliably represented in modern data. Most L62 tags occur as upstream markers within deep subclades of R1 or R2 after full phylogenetic resolution.

Ancient DNA

  • No direct ancient R-L62 sample has been formally identified.
  • Upper Paleolithic populations from Siberia and Kazakhstan lived during the timeframe when L62 arose.
  • Later ancient steppe populations derive from R1 or R2 that ultimately descend through nodes such as L62.

Phylogeny & subclades

R-L62 lies between PF6135 and the branches leading toward R1 and R2. It helps define the earliest structure of haplogroup R.

  • R-L63
  • Upstream transitions into early R1 and R2

Notes & context

Although rare, R-L62 is a structurally important part of the R backbone. It provides context for early population history before the explosive Holocene expansions of R1a and R1b.