Haplogroup K2 is a human mitochondrial DNA haplogroup, which means it is passed down from mothers to their children. It is part of the larger Haplogroup K and is primarily found in populations across Europe, Asia, and parts of North Africa. This haplogroup is believed to have originated around 20,000 years ago, during the last Ice Age. Haplogroup K2 is significant for genetic studies as it helps trace maternal lineage and migration patterns. It is associated with various subclades, including K2a and K2b, which have distinct geographical distributions. Understanding K2 can provide insights into human evolution and population history.