Haplogroups are large groups of haplotypes—sets of alleles at specific locations in the genome—that allow the definition of genetic populations and contain information about a person's past. When changes occur in these regions, it is very rare for them to revert, and subsequent changes accumulate, providing information about the individual's genetic history.
- The paternal haplogroup is determined by the Y chromosome, which is only found in men. This haplogroup is transmitted exclusively from father to son and allows for the tracing of the paternal line across thousands of years and miles, providing details about its historical dispersal.
- The maternal haplogroup, also known as the mitochondrial DNA haplogroup, is inherited from the mother. All of a person's mitochondrial DNA comes from the maternal line, which allows for the exploration of this line's journey without confusion with the paternal side. Mitochondrial DNA traces back to a common ancestor, Mitochondrial Eve, who lived about 200,000 years ago, and the oldest known haplogroup is L0, which emerged approximately 150,000 years ago.
Knowing your paternal haplogroup provides information about the dispersal and origins of your male ancestors, generating a complex family tree that allows you to trace your line back to Y-chromosomal Adam. In the results, you will be able to see a cladogram of the historical journey of your paternal line, as well as fun facts and historical figures who share the same haplogroup.
Similarly, knowing your maternal haplogroup allows you to learn about the origin and dispersal of your maternal ancestors throughout history. You will also be able to generate a family tree that goes back to Mitochondrial Eve and see the historical journey of your maternal line, with a cladogram and details about historical figures who share your maternal haplogroup.