Genetics
Russians show the characteristic R1a genes of paternal descent from a single male at 33.4% in North Russia to 49% in rest of Russia. Such large frequencies of R1a have been found only in Eastern Europe (Sorbs, Poles and Ukrainians; at about 50 to 65%), Central Asia and South Asia.
The percentages of Y-chromosome markers vary in ethnic Russian populations, and in different studies. The top four Y-DNA haplogroups are:
Haplogroup R1a (Y-DNA) – 19.8% to 62.7%, with an average of 46.7%
Haplogroup I (Y-DNA) – 0% to 26.8%, with an average of 17.6% (All regions), and 23.5% (Central and South Russia)
Haplogroup N (Y-DNA) – 5.4% to 53.7%, with averages of 21.6% (All regions), and 10% (Central and South Russia)
Haplogroup R1b (Y-DNA) – 0% to 14%, with an average of 5.8%
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