Using Modern Methods For Researching Your Past
Use Your Genetics For Genealogy
What if you could have your DNA tested at a local lab and then reported to you? It could be then used to trace your family line, based on your DNA well back into history.
How can this be possible when DNA is something that is rather new? The fact is that today, DNA is adding to the genealogical search quite a bit.
Those that are studying genealogy are finding that this is a great way to actually learn about your past. But, how does DNA and genealogy work together?
There are two types of DNA that are important to be considered for genealogy purposes. The first is
mitochondrial DNA which is the type of genetic marker that is passed down by everyone.
Mitochondrial DNA is passed down through the maternal, or female, line. As it is passed down, even through thousands of years, it changes very little. Only small mutations are seen in this type of DNA and that makes it a significant role player in history research.
The other type of DNA which is important is known as Y Chromosome DNA. This type of DNA is only found in males; where as Mitochondrial DNA is found in everyone. In Y Chromosome DNA, there are only small mutations percent over time in the male lineage. This too makes it very important for the search for family lines.
As you can imagine (soap operas here don’t count) the need to know if you are related to someone is done by taking DNA samples of two people and comparing them. By using a genetic test, researchers can see if two people have the right DNA to be related based on these two types we’ve mentioned.
In genealogy, this happens to be an ideal method for matching people today that may be descendants of others from the past. For example, by taking two people that share a potential common ancestor, tests can help to place where people are in the scope of ancestry.
One study that you may want to look into, then, is that of the Molecular Genealogy Research Project. The MGRP, as it is called, is a database collection of information that is taking genealogical information and genetic data and working to place people throughout the world.
The goal of this project is to establish the fact that everyone is related to everyone else, and then to define just how closely they are related. By taking blood samples and pedigree charts that he had collected, Mr. James L Sorenson, the founder of the project, began to learn as much as he could about how closely related people actually were.
By comparing the data of those that would donate blood samples, this project showed that people were in fact related, though distantly, through generations. You can learn more about this project, and even participate in it by visiting their website.
Another project that should be noted is "The Genographic Project". This project is one that used genetic methods to actually trace the human patterns of migration and then to determine the biogeographical and ethic origin. In this project, the results help to place people in various ancestral groups even through some ancient times. It can
help to tell you where your ancient ancestors may have lived and experienced.
The fact is that DNA is an ideal tool to use in determining the relation of people. In our search for answers about your own family, though, it may be harder to actually see how DNA can play a role. Nevertheless, it is one of the most amazing types of research methods available and definitely one that will see improvements over time.
These methods of understanding ancestry and genealogy are good places to start. They are tools that could be effective at helping to answer some of your own questions. But, by far they aren’t all that you can get into.
The goal of any type of ancestry project is to trace back from the beginning, or rather from the now into the past.
