Genetic genealogy

Best DNA Test Tips for Genetic Genealogy Newbies

Mark Orwig is the writer of the Genealogy Explained website, and he has created a neat graphic to explain the answer to the question posed in "Do Siblings Have the Same DNA?" I encourage all of my readers to read the entire article because the science is interesting and the "deck of cards" example is familiar to most of us. The graphic is: Pictures are always better than many words, and this graphic shows why siblings (assuming they aren't identical twins) may not have the same ethnicity…

Making the most of your autosomal DNA ancestry test requires understanding some simple odds and finding a good way of visualizing how genetic match connections work. The trick is to build a picture that fits in your brain and doesn't leave you feeling overwhelmed by a morass of potentially connecting pathways. I've got one and I'll share it with you below in the hopes that it works for you too. The most basic, probably universal, chart for "family" looks something like this: When visualizing…

It’s so easy to feel overwhelmed by new terminology and complicated scientific concepts. My goal here is to break things down in a way that is easy to understand so that everyone who is interested in genetic genealogy can leverage their unique DNA to learn about their roots.

Taking a DNA test for genetic genealogy research? This glossary will help you understand terms and testing procedures.

Using DNA in your genealogy research doesn't have to be confusing or intimidating. Check out these 5 resources to help you get started with genetic genealogy.

Learn how to understand your DNA matches, apply your DNA test results to your genealogy research, utilize third-party tools, and more!

Genealogists reporting on genetic genealogy research should consider the use of charts, diagrams, and other figures to communicate findings.

There’s no denying that DNA is an essential part of the 21st-century genealogist’s toolkit. Learn how to make DNA work for your research with these 5 genetic genealogy resources for beginners! #DNA #familyhistory #geneticgenealogy

Based on the number of questions I’m receive about triangulation, it’s time to write an article. There are two kinds of triangulation that we use in genetic genealogy. One type is for the Y chromo…

Follow these three rules for genealogy success using DNA |The Occasional Genealogist #genealogy #familyhistory #geneticgenealogy #dna

These totally free genealogy websites help you research your ancestry and family history. Build your own genealogy and family tree with a free ancestry search.

What, exactly, is an autosomal DNA match? Answer: It’s Relative I’m sorry, I just had to say that. But truthfully, it is. I know this sounds like a very basic question, and it is, but the answer s...

Are you taking advantage of the tools Ancestry DNA has provided to discover and track your cousin matches? If not, read on and discover three tools on the website that are often overlooked a…

Learn how to use Evernote for genetic genealogy with this simple tracking form to help you get started with DNA for genealogy. | #geneticgenealogy #Evernote #DNAforGenealogy #genealogy #familyhistory #DNA

J. Paul Hawthorne started a bit of a phenomenon, whether he meant to or not, earlier this week on Facebook, when he created a migration map of his own ancestors using Excel to reflect his pedigree …

match mom complete

There have been a lot of questions recently about the methodology used by people searching for unknown parents and other unidentified individuals. I covered this technique in concept recently at a …

Today, I saw an interesting table posted to Facebook, summarizing a genealogist’s family tree. It listed a handful of generations along with the number of possible ancestors in each generation, and the individual’s known ancestors for that generation. Out of curiosity,… Continue reading →

A comprehensive guide to pedigree charts, dominant and recessive traits, and how traits are inherited.