Haplogroup L0 (mtDNA)

In human genetics, Haplogroup L0 is a human mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplogroup.

Confusingly, some scientists use L0 to refer to an extinct haplogroup, while other scientists have identified haplogroups L0-L6 as existing in living humans.

As extinct
Some scientists use L0 to refer to an extinct haplogroup. For example, one commercial testing company states, "Another haplogroup, L0, preceded L1, but is long since extinct." In this model, L1 is considered the haplogroup from which all living humans are descended.

As existing today
Some scientists use L0 to refer to the first offshoot of Mitochondrial Eve, estimated to have lived in Africa approximately 150,000 to 170,000 years ago. Haplogroup L0 consist of four main branches (L0d, L0k, L0a, L0f). All of them were originally classified into haplogroup L1 as L1d, L1k, L1a and L1f.

Haplogroups L0d and L0k are typical for Khoisan tribes in South Africa.

Haplogroup L0a is most prevalent in South-East African populations (25% in Mozambique). Among Guineans, it has a frequency between 1% and 5%, with the Balanta group showing increased frequency of about 11%. Haplogroup L0a has a Paleolithic time depth of about 33,000 years and likely reached Guinea between 10,000 and 4,000 years ago.

Haplogroup L0f is present in relatively small frequencies in East Africa.