Educational content focused on DNA testing and genetic genealogy. Topics include DNA matches, centimorgans, ethnicity estimates, relationship analysis, and how documentary research and genetics work together in modern family history research.
Genealogy Definition What Is a Maternal Line? Maternal line research helps genealogists trace ancestry, migration, DNA inheritance, and family identity through generations connected by mothers and maternal ancestors. Short Definition A maternal line is the direct line of ancestry connected through a person’s mother. In genealogy, a maternal line usually follows the chain of mothers … Read more
Genealogy Definition What Is a Paternal Line? Paternal line research helps genealogists trace surnames, ancestry, migration, DNA inheritance, and family identity through generations connected by fathers and paternal ancestors. Short Definition A paternal line is the direct line of ancestry connected through a person’s father. In genealogy, a paternal line usually follows the chain of … Read more
Genealogy Definition What Is Genetic Genealogy? Genetic genealogy combines DNA testing with traditional historical research to help identify biological relationships, reconstruct family connections, and better understand ancestry, migration, and inherited family history. Short Definition Genetic genealogy is the use of DNA testing alongside traditional genealogy research to identify biological relationships, confirm family lines, and better … Read more
Genealogy Definition What Are Centimorgans (cM)? Centimorgans are one of the core measurements used in genetic genealogy to estimate how closely two people may be biologically related based on shared DNA. Short Definition Centimorgans, usually shortened to cM, are a unit used in genetic genealogy to measure how much DNA two people share. In general, … Read more
Genealogy Definition What Are Genealogy DNA Tests? Genealogy DNA tests help people explore biological relationships, ancestry, ethnicity estimates, and family connections by combining modern DNA analysis with traditional family history research. Short Definition Genealogy DNA tests are consumer DNA tests designed to help people explore family history, ancestry, ethnicity estimates, and biological relationships. In genealogy, … Read more
Genealogy Definition What Are DNA Matches? DNA matches connect living people through shared genetic inheritance, helping genealogists identify relatives, confirm family lines, and uncover biological connections that traditional records alone may not reveal. Short Definition DNA matches are people who share enough DNA with you to suggest a biological relationship. In genealogy, DNA matches help … Read more
Genealogy Definition What Does Paternal Mean? In genealogy, paternal refers to the side of your family connected through your father and helps researchers organize family lines, surnames, and DNA connections. Short Definition In genealogy, “paternal” refers to the side of your family connected through your father. Your paternal line includes your dad, his parents, grandparents, … Read more
Genealogy Definition What Does Maternal Mean? In genealogy, maternal refers to the side of your family connected through your mother and helps researchers organize family branches, DNA matches, and ancestral stories. Short Definition In genealogy, “maternal” refers to the side of your family connected through your mother. Your maternal line includes your mum, her parents, … Read more