Your Y-DNA haplotype is the specific set of results obtained after testing a set of STR markers on your Y-DNA. For example, if you take the 44 marker Y-Chromosome test, the combined result of all 44 markers is your unique haplotype and represents the unique genetic code for your paternal ancestral line.
Using your Y-DNA haplotype to search for or verify family linkages: Your haplotype is the same or very close to that of all males who have descended from the same forefather as yourself. That means that your father, grandfather and great-grandfathers along your paternal lineage all carry the same Y-DNA haplotype as you. Also, all males living anywhere in the world today who descended from the same forefather as you will have the same or very similar Y-DNA haplotype as you. Once you have tested your Y-DNA STR markers, you can use your haplotype to search for people who are linked to you on your paternal line. You can also use it to verify whether any two individuals are descendents from the same paternal line. Another common application is Surname Projects, which uses the Y-DNA haplogroup to determine how males with the same surname (last name) are connected to each other.
What is the difference between Y-DNA haplotype and Y-DNA haplogroup?
Y-DNA Haplotypes should not be confused with Y-DNA Haplogroups. An individual’s Y-DNA Haplogroup represents his “deep ancestry”. All males living today are descendents of a single individual who lived in Africa approximately 150,000 years ago. Over time, our ancestors migrated out of Africa in waves and populated the world. All males can be traced to one of less than two dozen main haplogroups (haplogroups are designated by letters, such as Haplogroup J).
Haplogroups are determined by testing a type of marker on the Y-DNA known as SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) markers. STR marker testing will not tell you your haplogroup, but in some instances, it can be used to predict your haplogroup as there are some correlations between certain haplotypes and haplogroups. However, confirmation of haplogroups must be made through SNP testing.
Haplogroups are useful for scientists who are studying human migration patterns and has archeological value.
