Using Genetics to Track Your Family Tree

Using genetics and DNA to prove who your common ancestors were is the latest exciting trend in genealogy. It can trace the exact path your ancestors followed, who you ere ethnically and the exact origins of your name. Imagine knowing for sure where your ancestors originated from, and no more confusion caused by similar names and birth dates. New roots and lines of a family’s heritage are discovered, and family groups are reunited.

Migration routes

DNA naturally mutates over time. Considered mistakes in the DNA spelling, these mutations are found in the mtDNA or on the Y-chromosome. These changes or markers are traced to a specific geographic area of the world. As markers are found, they are mapped. It is widely assumed that ages ago, people started to migrate out of Africa. They moved and settled throughout the world. Tracing the mutations of DNA found in groups of people around the world creates a road map of where these changes likely occurred. This allows people to find out the percentage of a match to a specific marker, so they can then trace the probable route their ancestors took.

Ethnic origins

Except for identical twins, no two individuals have the same genetic code. For example, males that descend from the same family have the same or very similar DNA in their Y-chromosome. The information attached to the Y-chromosome is passed down through the generations relatively unchanged. A section of the Y-chromosome marker repeats itself. This repetition varies per family group, and is measured to see how many times it has repeated. A researcher can conclusively link family lines or specific haplogroups by comparing the specific DNA code. Once a genetic profile is established for an individual, it is compared to other profiles. The closer the profile matches to another profile, shows how recently the two individuals shared a common forefather.

Surnames

Once someone’s DNA markers are identified, genetic matches are determined and similar surnames are grouped together. The origin of the surname is determined, and a participant in the DNA project can see how the family branched out and where family members scattered. Once mapped out, it is easy to see which families have a common heritage.

There are several companies that provide a paid service to do genetic profile for genealogy. Look for a company that sequences the most markers or points in the DNA. The more markers that are profiled, the more accurate are the results. Some companies maintain their own databases of the results, or the DNA sampling is submitted to the database of the individual’s choice. Genealogy is no longer just about records and stories, but has now moved into the realm of science. A provable path, DNA and genetic testing help aid in the search for one’s lineage.