Haplogroup K1 is a mitochondrial DNA haplogroup, which means it is passed down from mothers to their children. It is part of the larger Haplogroup K, which is found primarily in Europe and parts of Asia. K1 is believed to have originated around 20,000 years ago and is associated with the migration of early humans across these regions. This haplogroup is particularly common in populations from Northern Europe and the British Isles. Genetic studies show that K1 has several subclades, each representing different ancestral lineages. Understanding haplogroup K1 helps researchers trace human ancestry and migration patterns over thousands of years.