Genetic Genealogy Basics
What are raw DNA files
Raw DNA files are the digital representation of your DNA, containing information about your genetic markers. We upload these files to GEDmatch, a powerful platform that compares your DNA against others to identify relatives, segment matches, and shared ancestry. It’s an essential tool for connecting with people who tested on different platforms.
What are segment matches, and what do they tell us?
Segment matches are shared pieces of DNA between you and another person. These shared segments indicate a common ancestor. The size and location of the segments help us determine how closely related we are and whether the connection is recent or distant.
What is triangulation?
Triangulation is the process of identifying a specific segment of DNA that you and at least two other relatives share. If all three of you match on the same segment, it confirms that segment came from a common ancestor. Triangulation helps build confidence in our conclusions about shared ancestry.
Why is DNA necessary for genealogy?
No amount of documentation can truly prove descent. Historical records can be incomplete, inaccurate, or even forged. DNA provides irrefutable biological evidence of shared ancestry, confirming connections and ensuring that the relationships in our family tree are scientifically validated.
So what do I do with all of it?
I combine DNA results, segment matches, triangulation, and traditional genealogy research to piece together our family history. DNA helps confirm relationships hinted at by historical records, while records help narrow down potential shared ancestors identified through DNA. By combining these approaches, I can identify unknown ancestors and strengthen our family tree.
