Heritability
It’s easy to look at the people around us and see how much variation there is in physical appearance and behavior. Scientists in the fields of quantitative genetics and social sciences look for answers by studying heritability.
Learning about DNA basics can help you understand your complex genetic story—your DNA connections to people and places as well as inherited traits.
Heritability
It’s easy to look at the people around us and see how much variation there is in physical appearance and behavior. Scientists in the fields of quantitative genetics and social sciences look for answers by studying heritability.
Reading Your Ethnicity Estimate
DNA ethnicity estimates are reports that use DNA testing to provide information about a person's ancestry and ethnicity. AncestryDNA® analyzes a person's genetic makeup and compares it to reference populations from various regions around the world to estimate the person's genetic ancestry.
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No one person discovered DNA. Instead, many scientists uncovered more and more about DNA from 1869-1953, until it culminated in the discovery of the famous double helix. It is considered one of the most important scientific discoveries in modern times, leading to the development of modern molecular biology.
Read more about DNA Discovery
How does AncestryDNA® test differ from other DNA tests?
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. AncestryDNA® has a significantly enhanced personalized site experience with interactive tools and features to make your family history search even easier.
Read more about AncestryDNA®
There are multiple types of DNA tests. The three most common are Y-DNA testing, autosomal DNA testing, and mitochondrial DNA testing, (mtDNA testing). To understand the differences between these tests, it can help to know how DNA is organized.
Learn more about DNA Tests
All About DNA
What makes you, you? Learn how certain characteristics may be passed down in your DNA.
Ancestry® Family History Learning Hub
Learn how to find generations of your family and their stories on Ancestry®.
Curious but not sure where to start? Find insights, inspiration, and inroads to help you make your own discoveries.
If you’re not sure what to expect, here is a quick run-down on several of the features you can look forward to.
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You may know that AncestryDNA can tell you about your family history using nothing more than a small saliva sample. But exactly how do we do it?
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What do people mean when they say “fourth cousin,” or “third cousin twice removed”?
Take a look…
If you hit a dead end with an adoption registry, an AncestryDNA® test could be a good next step.
Take a look…
If you’re not sure what to expect, here is a quick run-down on several of the features you can look forward to.
Take a look...
You may know that AncestryDNA can tell you about your family history using nothing more than a small saliva sample. But exactly how do we do it?
Take a look…
What do people mean when they say “fourth cousin,” or “third cousin twice removed”?
Take a look…
If you hit a dead end with an adoption registry, an AncestryDNA® test could be a good next step.
Take a look…