Historically, DNA test have been reserved for medical purposes or for the wealthy as demanding them has been typically expensive. However, over the past decade the opportunity to complete a DNA profile has been extended to everyone through various companies online. Below are ways an ancestry DNA test can help you and answer questions about your origins.
1. Mapping your family tree
Ancestry DNA can help you map your family tree. You can compare your DNA results to those who have given consent for their results to be public. This allows you to be able to see the people you are related to. Many websites have a database with DNA records of millions of people from across the world.
After comparing the results, you may be able to trace some of the people whose DNA matches yours. This can help you find family members that you may have never known about. The closeness in the similarity between your ancestry DNA results and those samples on the sites is an indication that you may be closely related to those people. This is because people inherit half of each of their parents’ DNA. The more similar the DNA results are, the closer the relationship may be.
With the help of surnames, you can easily get to know your distant relatives. All you have to do is compare your DNA and that of the people you share a surname. The online databases will provide matching surnames and their DNA.
2. Tracing ancient roots
If are looking to understand your ancient roots, ancestry DNA can help you trace your place of origin. As mentioned, the test allows you to compare your DNA and that of the samples available in the database. This way you can tell your origin by linking it to the regions across the globe where your ancestors may have originated. If your DNA matches the DNA of people living in a particular region, the chances you are from this area are greater. You can trace the early migration of those people to determine your ancient roots.
Autosomal DNA testing companies can provide family tree DNA which has features that can link you a given side of your family tree. From the comparison of DNA results, you can estimate ethnicity.
3. Solving mysteries
DNA can stay up to a thousand years if well-stored in an appropriate place. DNA can be extracted from past remains and be used to study human evolution. The results have been shocking as they have helped in solving many mysteries.
A perfect example of how DNA can solve mysteries is the remains of Richard III, king of England. They were obtained and the DNA was tested. The results were compared and matched with Michael Ibsen. Ibsen was a descendant of King Richard III’s sister. This, therefore, shows that ancestry DNA can help you solve ancient mysteries.
4. Connect with others
As it stands at present, you may think you have only a few family members or none at all. Ancestry DNA tests are beneficial because they help people connect with new-found family members.
Ancestry DNA provides you with a chance to learn about your history. From the online database, you can see the people you share a family tree with. You can then connect with these distant relatives by connecting with them. This is especially helpful to people working on family trees and have hit frustrating roadblocks. When completing and comparing your DNA profile, you can get in touch and meet relatives and talk about your shared past. You can use this great opportunity to share photos and memories.
