Have you ever wondered where you really came from…beyond small-town America, where lies your roots?
Sure stories have been passed down and assumptions made, but where did your story start? AncestryDNA has opened the door to finally finding answers…and in a way you’ve never seen before.
Today I’m sharing my experience with AncestryDNA, which has provided insight into my heritage, something that has been anything but clear my entire life. My dad was adopted at birth, leaving 50% of my family history completely unknown…until now…
Here are my results!
After submitting the DNA test (a simple saliva sample), you’ll have the results within 6-8 weeks, which is then provided in the form of a ‘DNA Story’ as seen above. You can then click on each ethnicity link to learn more about the region and history, along with dates and migrations.
How does the new Ancestry DNA test differ from other DNA tests?
It’s more comprehensive. Unlike the Y-chromosome or mitochondrial DNA test, AncestryDNA uses an autosomal DNA test that surveys a person’s entire genome at over 700,000 locations. It covers both the maternal and paternal sides of the family tree, so it covers all lineages. The Y-DNA test only reflects the direct father-to-son path in your family tree, and the mtDNA test only reflects the direct mother-to-child path in your family tree. Learn more about the differences between the DNA tests here.
The test is gender neutral. Both men and women can take the AncestryDNA test and are tested in the same way for the same number of markers providing the same level of detail in the results.
It predicts your recent genetic ethnicity. Thanks to advances in DNA technology we’re able to compare your DNA to samples from around the world, to find out more about your family’s background and ethnic history—not ancient history, but the people and places that matter to you.
Enhanced DNA matching. Unlike the Y-chromosome or mitochondrial DNA tests, the new AncestryDNA autosomal test looks at a much broader range of your DNA, which helps identify matches throughout your entire family tree—along both your paternal and maternal sides.
The information is more relevant and recent—targeting your family history a few hundred or even a thousand years ago, as compared to the Y and mtDNA tests, which have a 10,000 to 50,000 year time focus.
Improved website. AncestryDNA has a significantly enhanced personalized site experience with interactive tools and features to make your family history search even easier.
AncestryDNA offers a few membership options – which are now 20% off for their Holiday Sale! This would make an incredible gift for the history buff in your family!
I’d love to know…what answers would you like from a DNA test – are you creating a family tree, wanting to connect with distant relatives, or just yearning to know more about your heritage?
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Cheers to finding your origin!
XoXo Portia
*Photo by Jasmine Klein Photography
Disclosure: AncestryDNA graciously provided me with a complimentary membership. The opinions expressed here represent my own, which I take great pride in providing pure honesty…because I’m OBSESSED with sharing the Good!