Haplogroup N1a (mtDNA)

In human genetics Haplogroup N1a is a mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplogroup.

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N1a is a rare haplogroup as it currently appears in only .18%-.2% of regional populations. It is widely distributed throughout Eurasia and Northern Africa and is divided into the European, Central Asian, and African/South Asian branches based on specific genetic markers. Exact origins and migration patterns of this haplogroup are still unknown and a subject of some debate.

Neolithic farmers

N1a became particularly prominent when recent studies on skeletons in Central Europe revealed that 25% of the Neolithic European population might have belonged to this haplogroup. The skeletons were found to be members of the Linear Pottery Culture which is credited with being the first farming culture in Europe. The study was a major development in the debate on the origin of European populations.

References

• Haak, Wolfgang, et al. "Ancient DNA from the First European Farmers in 7500-Year-Old Neolithic Sites" Science, vol. 310, pg. 1016 (2005)
• Balter, Michael "Ancient DNA Yields Clues to the Puzzle of European Origins" Science, vol. 310, pg. 964 (2005)

See also

• Human mitochondrial genetics
• Haplogroup I (mtDNA)