Polymorphism of Y-STR haplotypes is governed by patrilineal ancestry combined with effects of male migration

This study examined geographic origins of Y-haplogroups and effects of migration using Y-STR haplotype databases compiled from the literature. Accuracy of haplogroup prediction was analyzed by varying the number of loci in haplotype definitions and by including rapidly mutating Y-STRs. Lastly, haplogroup diversities of populations were analyzed with respect to evolutionary history/size of populations and effects of admixture. These analyses demonstrated: a) haplotype definitions with more loci increased haplogroup prediction accuracy; b) older populations did not negatively impact haplogroup prediction; c) including rapidly mutating loci as part of the haplotype-definition had minimal impact on haplogroup prediction and inferring population clustering, but had moderate impact on Network analysis; and d) haplogroup diversities increased with male admixture.