Ancestry Academy  > Education  >  AncestryDNA^® 101

 

In the "AncestryDNA 101" video from Ancestry, our Corporate Genealogist, Crista Cowan, sets the stage for a comprehensive introduction to DNA testing and its implications for family history research. She emphasizes that this session is designed for beginners, covering essential topics like DNA inheritance, origins, settings, and matches. Crista encourages viewers to engage through the chat and Q&A features, ensuring a lively and interactive experience.

Crista explains the basics of DNA inheritance, noting that each person inherits 50% of their DNA from each parent, but not a complete set of their DNA. Instead, it's a random selection, which means siblings will share similarities but won't have identical DNA. She uses a simplified analogy to illustrate how DNA is passed down through generations, highlighting the importance of testing multiple family members to capture a more complete picture of inherited traits. Crista stresses that understanding this random inheritance is crucial for interpreting DNA results effectively.

Next, Crista dives into the Origins section of DNA results, which shows where in the world a person's DNA has been over the last 500 to 1,000 years. She explains how Ancestry uses a reference panel of populations to determine these regions and how this information can change as the reference panel grows. Crista also introduces the concept of Journeys, which are calculated based on DNA matches and family tree data, providing insights into more recent migrations and connections to specific locations.

Crista then discusses the DNA settings in Ancestry accounts, emphasizing the importance of linking DNA results to a family tree. This connection allows for more accurate insights and features, enhancing the overall experience of using Ancestry's tools. She explains the different levels of sharing permissions, from viewer to manager, and how these settings can facilitate collaboration among family members.

Finally, Crista wraps up by discussing the DNA match list, which is a valuable resource for those looking to uncover family connections. She encourages participants to explore their matches, identify relationships, and utilize the information to break down genealogical brick walls. Crista invites viewers to join her for the next session on search tips and tricks, reinforcing the idea that understanding DNA is just one part of the broader journey in family history research.