Trace Your Roots with DNA: Using Genetic Tests to Explore Your Family Tree
The Generations Network
combined a few of the best genealogical sites in the country, made them better, and now offer extensive and fascinating products to enable people to trace ancestors through thousands of records and over thousands of miles.
Their newest offering is amazing: Trace your roots through DNA testing by sending for their kit, and read about interpreting the charts (sample below) with their publications. They are working with the U.S.'s top genealogists who explain how new and groundbreaking genetic testing can help you research your ancestry.
According to American Demographics, 113 million Americans have begun to trace their roots, making genealogy the second most popular hobby in the country (after gardening).
After a brief introduction to genealogy and genetics fundamentals, the authors explain the types of available testing, what kind of information the tests can provide, how to interpret the results, and how the tests work — it doesn't involve digging up your dead relatives.
It's relatively inexpensive, easy to do, and the results are accurate: It's as simple as swabbing the inside of your cheek and popping a sample in the mail and receiving detailed charts by return mail.
DNA can answer questions like:
- Family lore has it that a branch of our family emigrated to Argentina and now I've found some people there with our name.
- Can testing tell us whether we're from the same family?
- My mother was adopted and doesn't know her ethnicity. Are there any tests available to help her learn about her heritage?
- I just discovered someone else with my highly unusual surname. How can we find out if we have a common ancestor?
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