Order of Precedence and Age of Y-DNA Haplotypes

A simple method, inspired by procedures used in the physics of nuclear multi-fragmentation, allows for establishing order of precedence and age of pairs of haplotypes separated by one mutation. For both haplotypes of the pair, searches for existing haplotypes, differing by increasing number of mutations, are carried out using a database. The resulting ratios of frequencies of haplotypes, found at given mutation distances, are compared to calculated probability ratios. The order of precedence and age of the pair of haplotypes can be deduced when the resulting ratios follow a hyperbolic dependence. The method can be used with relatively small and not necessarily complete samples, using publicly accessible databases.