DNA for Genealogists (4th edition)
DNA for Genealogists (4th edition); by Kerry Farmer; 2017; 60 pp; 5.75x8.25; Soft cover; Indexed; Printed in the USA; ISBN: 9781925323658; Item #: RUTP0291
There is no doubt that DNA and genealogy go hand in hand, but where do you start? What is the difference between the tests? What company is best to use? How do I interpret my results? My relatives won't test, what do I do? These are just some of the many questions that get asked by those new to DNA.
DNA testing can provide evidence of relationship even when no documents exist, and it can help you find family that you never knew you had.
It will not replace the more traditional genealogical research techniques - the paper-trail and gathering oral and documentary evidence and compiling family trees is still a valid and needed part of family history research. Instead it offers entirely new research tools, as well as a way of testing to see if the conclusions you have drawn are confirmed by this new evidence.
This book shows you how you can use DNA to harness this exciting new range of genealogical tools.
DNA tends to have it own language which can be rather intimidating, however this publication provides a glossary for easy reference and understanding, as well as details of all the testing companies, the places you can upload your DNA results to, and other tools useful for those doing genetic genealogy.
Now into its fourth edition, this book has been revised and updated to include the latest updates for genetic genealogists. Originally printed in Australia, Unlock the Past has licensed the book for publication in the USA by Family Roots Publishing.
Contents:
- Preface
- Abbreviations
- Introduction
- About DNA
- Double Helix
- Chromosomes
- Mutations
- Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)
- Short tandem repeat (STR)
- Genetic similarity
- Sex chromosomes
- Autosomal DNA
- Dominant / Recessive
- Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)
- The Process
- Interpreting DNA test results
- Y-chromosome test
- X-chromosome test
- Autosomal DNA test
- Mitochondrial DNA test
- Why have DNA tested?
- Surname studies
- Regional studies (or clan or caste studies)
- Bridging the documentary gap
- Test family trees
- Identifying illegitimate ancestor
- Lodging DNA for future reference
- Understanding ancient human migrations
- Objections to DNA testing
- DNA is not unique
- Tests are expensive
- Privacy concerns
- Ethnic identity
- Flaws in long-accepted lineages
- Insurance risk
- Not all lines are tested
- Media hype
- Unlikely to find a close relative
- Commercial DNA testing companies
- Which company?
- Which tests?
- Family Tree DNA (FTDNA)
- 23andMe
- AncestryDNA
- MyHeritage
- Living DNA
- BritainsDNA (and associated companies)
- GeneBase
- Genographic Project
- Oxford Ancestors
- Glossary
- Appendix 1. Testing companies
- Appendix 2. Free DNA databases
- Appendix 3. Tools for genetic genealogy
- Appendix 4. Websites for further reading
- Appendix 5. Reference books
- Index