Family Tree DNA is one of the top DNA testing companies I recommend. And, now is the time to buy! Family Finder DNA, YDNA, and mtDNA tests are all on sale now through 31 August 2019 in the U.S. Terms and conditions may apply.
Summer sales…we love them! I just purchased a YDNA test through Family Tree DNA for my father. He is the last of his blood line and I want to make sure I get that DNA tested!
Why You Should Consider Testing Multiple People in Multiple Ways
Many are satisfied with testing their own DNA just for fun. But as genealogists, adoptees, or others looking for a more significant connection, we need to test multiple family members and in multiple ways.
By testing several family members, you get a bigger picture of your ethnicity and your cousin matches. You see, not all siblings get the same handful of genes from Mom and Dad. Not all cousins get the same genes from their common grandparents. Each relative will be a little different and that may affect what is seen in an ethnicity breakdown, as well as, a cousins match list when an autosomal DNA test is taken.
Another important consideration is testing your family members in all three ways of testing. Not each person in the family tree has to be tested in all three ways…that would get super expensive! But, you might consider testing you, siblings, your mother, and father in the following ways.
The Three Types of DNA tests available:
- An Autosomal DNA Test – Can be taken by males or females and will give you an ethnicity estimate and cousin matches within about 5 to 6 generations on both your mother and father’s sides of the family. Now through 31 August 2019, the Family Finder (autosomal) DNA test is on sale for $59. A good rule of thumb is to test yourself, each sibling, and both of your parents.
- The YDNA Test – Can only be taken by a male. This test is used to track the Y chromosome passed from father to son over the generations. It reaches farther back than just 5 or 6 generations. The YDNA test will provide you with your paternal haplogroup, ethnicity, relative matches, and surname history. If a father is in question, this would be a good test for you. Family Tree DNA is the only company offering this type of test. Right now, the YDNA test at Family Tree DNA is starting at $129. If you are female and your father has died, a brother can take the test for you. Or, if you have no father or brothers living, your father’s brother or his brother’s son can take the test.
- The mtDNA Test – Can be taken by males and females, but it is only looking at the genetic markers of your mother’s maternal line. It too reaches farther back into your ancestral maternal line than the autosomal test. The mtDNA test will provide you with your maternal haplogroup. This test is also only available through Family Tree DNA and is on sale now for $149.00.
DNA testing is breaking down brick walls in family history and proving (or disproving) family stories that have been passed down for generations. Learn the story your family’s DNA, today!
The Genealogy Reporter has entered into an affiliate relationship with Family Tree DNA. Clicking on the links provided in this article may result in The Genealogy Reporter receiving a commission at no additional cost to you.
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