Table of Contents
Introduction 6
Part 1 Getting Started
1 Genetic Genealogy Basics 10
Kick-start your genetic research. This chapter features a brief history of DNA testing and breaks down DNA and the four popular genetic tests, plus how to identify your genetic family tree.
2 Common Misconceptions 20
Debunk your DNA myths. This chapter addresses eleven common misunderstandings about DNA to set you straight as you begin your genetic research.
3 Ethics and Genetic Genealogy 36
Conduct conscientious and responsible studies.This chapter explores some of the ethical issues involved in DNA testing for family research and how to account for them.
Part 2 Selecting a Test
4 Autosomal-DNA (atDNA)Testing 52
Explore your whole genetic family tree with this chapter's guide to the atDNA test, the most popular and (arguably) most useful DNA analysis.
5 Y-Chromosomal (Y-DNA) Testing 93
Find your paternal male ancestors. This chapter discusses how to use Y-DNA to track your male-line descendants and solve genealogical problems
6 Mitochondrial (mtDNA) Testing 116
Discover your female maternal ancestors and answer research questions about them with this guide to the oldest DNA test.
7 X-Chromosomal (X-DNA) Testing 136
Pinpoint your genetic ancestors.This chapter discusses how to use X-DNA and its inheritance patterns to grow your family tree.
Part 3 Analyzing and Applying test Results
8 Third-Party Autosomal-DNA Tools 152
Broaden your DNA analysis with this chapter's tips for using software, online tools, and other third-party programs to analyze atDNA test results.
9 Ethnicity Estimates 173
Unpack the estimates provided by DNA testing companies. This chapter shows what you can-and can't-learn about your ancestry from ethnicity estimates.
10 Analyzing Complex Questions with DNA 194
Dig deeper into your DNA research with these tips and strategies for using your DNA results to break through brick walls and answer challenging research questions.
11 Genetic Testing for Adoption and Other Brick Walls 209
Uncover your hidden past. This chapter provides strategies for adoptees and other individuals who may face an extra hurdle when researching ancestors.
12 The Future of Genetic Genealogy 220
Gaze into DNA's future with these predictions about the field's trajectory and what you can hope to achieve as genetic technology advances.
Glossary 234
Appendix A Comparison Guides 239
Appendix B Research Forms 244
Appendix C More Resources 256
Index 260