Humans have always been curious about their familial history. There is a need to know everything about one’s lineage, a comprehensive view into a seemingly endless family tree. With the recent emergence of ancestry records, one can accurately trace the identities of their ancient predecessors. At the same time, one may have their fair share of questions regarding such records and their efficiency. Here are some details about ancestry records:
How do ancestry records tools work?
There are several software tools to help individuals trace their ancestral history. While each system may have its distinct working mechanism, the collection and presentation process of ancestry records more or less follows a similar pathway:
Purchasing a DNA sample collection kit
The process begins with customers purchasing a DNA collection kit online from the ancestry records service provider. Such a kit includes tools such as a sample tube to collect blood, urine, saliva, or other bodily secretions or sheddings, an envelope to send the sample, a distinct activation code, and usage instructions.
Customers may need to sign up and log in online on the ancestry records company’s website. The activation code links the ancestry account and the customer’s DNA analysis results. Using their account, customers can manage and view DNA test results.
Collecting DNA sample
One can fill up the sampling tube with the kit with urine or saliva. The tube needs to be filled up to a specific line indicated on it. Such tubes come with a cap that releases an additive into the collected sample. This additive preserves the customer’s DNA to simplify the testing process. Users can also shake the tube to mix the sample and additive properly.
Sending DNA samples for testing
Users can send their DNA sample through the envelope to the postal address of the ancestry records company. They may receive a text notification or a message on their account stating that the appropriate researchers have received the sample.
Analyzing DNA samples
There are three types of DNA testing to trace a person’s ancestors. The Y-DNA test is used to trace the male family members and ancestors, while mtDNA testing is used to trace the female ones. The autosomal DNA test can be used to track down every member of a person’s family tree. So, most modern ancestry records companies isolate their customers’ autosomal DNA from their samples. Sampling and testing enable the researchers to analyze thousands of DNA markers to let people know where their ancestors were.
Testing is usually followed by the company providing their customers with specific “hints” regarding historical documents that link them to their ancestral relatives. For example, the system may ask customers to feed documents to compute their ancestors’ names, marriage dates, birth dates, death dates, living locations, extended relationships, and other details.
How far back can ancestry records be traced?
With improving analytics and sampling technology, ancestry records and DNA testing will progressively help people go deeper into their respective family trees. Currently, standard autosomal DNA testing can help people trace back to around seven generations; advanced autosomal DNA testing raises that number to more than 50 generations. In addition, certain types of Mt-DNA testing can track a person’s ancestors back to 100,000 with decent accuracy.
Popular ancestry records tools
Here are some commonly used genealogy tools:
Family Tree Maker
This tool provides a highly aesthetic user interface with various color codes, images, and charts. Family Tree Maker is one of the more widely-used tools out there. This tool connects to family search websites and other ancestry portals to accurately depict a person’s ancestry. It also has a feature called FamilySync, which allows users to synchronize up to three family trees automatically.
AncestryDNA
This tool is highly efficient for DNA sampling and analysis. Users can fill a saliva sample in a tube and send it to the researchers for DNA analysis. AncestralDNA offers a quick and accurate solution for people looking to discover their lineage.
