SNP Tree

SNP Overview

By analyzing certain SNP mutations that developed in men long ago and were then passed to their male descendants today, we can begin to build a family tree, of sorts, of theoretical ancestors in which these mutations were developed. R-Z16357 (a code name used to identify a distinct mutation) is one branch on the larger SNP tree of humanity that begins with 'Adam'. Unlike traditional genealogy which works backward from present day to our ancestors, the SNP tree starts with very ancient man and moves closer to the present day as new mutations are identified via DNA testing of distantly related cousins.

R-Z16357 SNP Haplotree

Z16357 Tree - Click to view larger version

Click the chart above to view a larger version.

This chart shows the confirmed SNP haplogroups for and downstream of R-Z16357. The major branches are color coded. Additional branches will be added as they are confirmed. Dates shown are very rough estimates and will be refined as new branches are added and additional data and analysis methodologies are discovered.

The "(+n Others") notation indicates the number of additional variants in a particular block. The SNPs in each block give an indication of how long that block was present without any (yet) known branching. Each SNP represents between 60 and 150 years (give or take). The large BY17990 (45 SNPs) and Z16343 (33 SNPs) represents 2000+ years where our ancestors were likely isolated with few living descendants. The lower boxes on the chart are closer to present day - representing ancestors that lived less than 1000 years ago. As additional testers, SNPs, and branches are added to the tree, we gain better insight into timelines and locations (most likely in and from the British Isles) for these ancestors.

The spreadsheet from which the age estimations were calculated is available here and will be updated as additional tests are completed.

R-Z16357 on The Big Tree

Alex Williamson maintains The Big Tree - a wonderful tool for haplotree visualization and SNP analysis.

View R-Z16357 on The Big Tree. Note that only people who have completed and submitted Big-Y or FGC testing results are shown on this tree. Updates are currently sporadic.

R-Z16357 SNP Tree Ancestors

The following shows how R-Z16357 fits into the overall haplotree of humanity.

  • Adam
    • R (32,000 years ago)
      • R1b/M343 (22,000 years ago)
        • R-M269 (13,000 years ago - the most frequently occurring paternal lineage in Western Europe)
          • R-P312 (5,000 years ago)
            • L-21 (25–50% of English and Irish men)
              • R-DF13 (4,500 years ago)
                • R-L513/R-DF1
                  • R-S5668
                    • R-Z16357 (~3,000 years ago)