An Introduction to Genetic Genealogy
Based on my fascination with genetics, I developed a new library program which shares my personal experience with DNA testing and teaches audiences how to use this new tool as a complement to their traditional genealogical research.
Many people are not aware of their ancestors before their grandparents or great grandparents. Traditional genealogical research follows a paper trail going back 5,10—sometimes up to 20 generations—tracing a history that spans hundreds of years.
Genetic genealogy through DNA testing offers a new perspective allowing a deeper ancestral view spanning tens of thousands of years. Thanks to the accurate historical record found within our Y chromosome we can trace our patrilineal descent from son, to father, to grandfather, to great grandfather—through hundreds of generations of great grandfathers, directly to Eurasian grandfather “Adam” and African grandfather “Adam.”
A recent genetic test revealed I was (L260+) confirming I was member of the newly found "Polish" Y-Haplogroup R1a1a1g2 ...no real surprise considering my surname—Choroszewski. Originating in Central Europe, sub-clade R1a1a1g2 is theorized to be a recent group of Slavs that settled today's Poland almost 2,000 years ago. This sub-clade is part of the major Haplogroup R1a which originated ~15,000 years in the Eurasian Steppe and populated an arc from South Asia to Eastern Europe long before the constructs of borders, religion or ethnic groupings evolved.
My R1a brothers are spread from Siberia to Scandinavia with greatest concentrations in Eastern Europe and India. R1a members may differ physically with variations in skin coloration and physiognomy. They also differ in their philosophies and ideologies, some practicing within most of the major religions of the world including: Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, Islam and Ashkenazi Judaism.
Early R1a ancestors have been associated with the Yamna, Kurgan and Corded Ware cultures. R1a ancestors were a patrilineal society that buried their dead in mounds. Their culture centered around animal husbandry and they are credited with domesticating the horse. R1a ancestors are also associated with the development of the Proto-Indo-European language.
Early R1a ancestors have been associated with the Yamna, Kurgan and Corded Ware cultures. R1a ancestors were a patrilineal society that buried their dead in mounds. Their culture centered around animal husbandry and they are credited with domesticating the horse. R1a ancestors are also associated with the development of the Proto-Indo-European language.
Back To ADAM is a program which encourages people to explore their own deep ancestry tracing their genetic paths back to African “Adam” and Mitochondrial African “Eve.” I briefly cover the history of genetics from Gregor Mendel to the Human Genome Project completed in 2003. I tap my science education to help simplify and translate the often confusing terminology, acronyms and data associated with DNA testing. I review some of the leading companies offering genetic testing and explain the differences between Y-DNA, mtDNA and atDNA testing, including costs and types of data obtained from each test.
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