Ancestry DNA Testing

What Are The Applications of Ancestry DNA Testing?

Many people are curious about their family lines, especially about establishing the veracity of any wings of the family tree where family folklore hints that there may be something unusual going on. While Ancestry DNA testing can't answer all questions associated with researching the family tree, there are several types of information that this form of testing can provide. Here are a few examples.

Biological Connections

Ancestry DNA testing can help to establish the existence of a biological relationship between two people who are not of the same generation. As an example, the testing can provide proof of a family connection between a grandparent and a grandchild. This type of ancestry DNA testing is often employed when children who have been adopted wish to learn the truth about their biological family tree.

Another application of ancestry DNA testing is providing evidence of a biological connection between two individuals through a common ancestor. With this application, samples are collected from both the two individuals seeking information about a connection, and a sample obtained from the ancestor who is thought to be a common link. While the testing may not be able to establish the exact nature of the relationship, it will provide enough evidence to determine if each individual has a clear biological link to the ancestor, thus establishing that some sort of familial relationship exists.

Ethnic Origins

In some cases, ancestry DNA testing can provide answers to questions about the ethnic origins of the individual. The testing can identify strains within the DNA of the individual to help determine if the background of the person includes more than one ethic background. Persons who may wonder if they have Native American ancestors in their blood line, for example, can make good use of ancestor DNA testing to see if there are some elements of the genetic makeup that indicate participation of that ethnic group within the ancestral line.

DNA Testing Conclusions

It is important to realize that ancestry DNA testing is not aimed toward establishing the exact nature of the connection between two individuals, either of the current generation or a past one. However, the value of ancestry DNA testing is to establish that there is a genetic connection between two parties that proves that there is a familial relationship in place.  This can often help persons who wish to know more about their family trees to pursue sources that otherwise would have been overlooked. As a general rule, home ancestry DNA tests are easy to conduct, are relatively inexpensive, and can provide accurate results within a month or so.