| Genetic Genealogy |
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Information AboutGenetic Genealogy |
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Uses Paternal and maternal lineages The two most common types of genetic genealogy tests are the Y-DNA (paternal line) and mtDNA (maternal line) Genealogical DNA Test s. These tests involve the comparison of the DNA of one individual to that of another to Scientifically determine how many generations ago the two individuals shared their Most Recent Common Ancestor . These tests allow two individuals to determine with reasonable certainty that they are related within a certain time frame, or with reasonable certainty that they are not related within a certain time frame. A number of searchable Y-DNA databases are open to the public and available online. Among them:
Biogeographical and ethnic origins Additional DNA tests exist for determining Biogeographical and Ethnic origin, but these test have less relevance for traditional genealogy. ''See Biogeographic Ancestry , Genealogical DNA Test and Population Genetics (the study of the distribution of and change in Allele Frequencies ).'' Human migration Genealogical DNA testing methods are also being used on a longer time scale to trace Human Migratory Patterns and determine, for example, when the first humans came to North America and how they got there. One major effort currently going on is The Genographic Project , which aims to map historical human migration patterns by collecting and analyzing DNA samples from over 100,000 people across five continents. Benefits Genetic genealogy gives genealogists a means to check or supplement the Historical Record with Information from genetic Data . A positive test match with another individual may:
Drawbacks The main reasons people cite for not wanting to be DNA tested is cost or concerns over privacy issues. However, costs are becoming increasingly affordable. Additionally, privacy and confidentiality of one's genetic markers can be restricted to families or groups. In such databases, listing of individuals is often anonymous and identified by a number which may only be known to the individual. Finally, Y-DNA and mtDNA testing each only trace a single lineage (one's father's father's father's etc. lineage or one's mother's mother's mother's etc. lineage). At 10 generations back, an individual has 1024 ancestors and a Y-DNA or mtDNA test is only studying 10 of those 1024 ancestors...plus same sexed siblings for male Y-DNA or all siblings for the mtDNA. See also Important concepts
Related fields
Patrilineal relationships Matrilineal relationships Biogeography, ethnicity and migration Projects
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