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A DNA genealogy database is a depository of results that is filled with a wealth of information about our ancestral past. While each sample and its results are from just one person, by grouping them all together from a region tells the history of the people that came from there.

The largest data base of known results today is the Sorenson database. This is from the Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation which is a non-profit organization. Their goal is to establish the largest and most complete genetic DNA database and genealogical information in the world.

This project sprouted in 1999 with a conversation between BYU Professor Scott Woodward and the philanthropist James Sorenson. Thus, the name of the data base was given the financial backers name.

In the past 11 years, over 100,000 samples of DNA have been collected and analyzed. This collection has resulted in a four-generation pedigree chart. The samples that have been donated have originated in more than 100 different countries around the world.

Both the Y-DNA and mtDNA results are included in this vast database. Both are available for genealogists to trace their family heritage.

Research at the foundation is not just on genetic DNA, but also has branched out into autosomal DNA. This is specifically to identify the genetic percentage of a sample’s DNA to a geographical region or continent.

Participation in the Sorenson project is completely voluntary. By adding your DNA to this existing data base, you and anyone else can use the information to learn about their ancestral past. The greater number of samples that the DNA genealogy database acquires, the more complete all of our genetic history will be.

This service formerly was free however as of last year they now charge the normal rates for testing kits.  You may order a testing kit from Family Tree DNA by clicking HERE

… Photosynthetic unicellular organisms. Oxidation. Mutation. Natural selection and evolution. Respiration. Cell differentiation. Sexual reproduction…

(Excerpted from “The History of the Universe in 200 Words or Less” by Eric Schulman
© copyright 1996-1997. by Eric Schulman)
Located on the web at: http://members.bellatlantic.net/~vze3fs8i/hist/hist.html

Can Genealogy DNA Testing take us back to the beginning?

As of today scientists, historians and genealogists have fairly reached the conclusion that the following list of bi-peds are in the evolutionary chain of human like creatures that inhabited earth and that evolved in to modern day Homo Sapiens.

Here are some fairly acceptable date ranges for various Hominid species.
Homo Habilis – 2.2 to 1.6 million years BCE (Before Common Era 2010)
Homo Erectus – 2 to 0.4 million years BCE
Homo Sapiens – 400,000 to 200,000 BCE
Homo Sapiens Neandertalensis – 200,000 to 30,000 years BCE
Homo Sapiens Sapiens – 130,000 years BCE to present.
(Washington State University)
http://www.wsu.edu:8001/vwsu/gened/learn-modules/top_longfor/timeline/timeline.html

Apparently most of us, at least Americans, resemble some of our ancestors as depicted in this sculpture known as the Venus of Dolni Vŭstonice, one of the earliest known figurines depicting the human body. Dates back to about 29,000 to 25,000 BP. (Before Present 1950,) or say, about 27,000 BC.  (courtesy wikipedia)

Oldest figurine of human body

Humans are noted for their desire to understand and influence their environment, seeking to explain and manipulate natural phenomena through science, philosophy, mythology and religion. This natural curiosity has led to the development of advanced tools and skills, which are passed down culturally; humans are the only animal species known to build fires, cook their food, clothe themselves, and use numerous other technologies.
(From wikipedia/humans)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homo_sapiens#Human_evolution

Seems I recall that we along with apes and monkeys have and use opposable thumbs that are able to  articulate which is a pretty handy feature for climbing trees and other tasks.  I know that I am a super being in the eyes of my three dogs.  They trust me for their next meal.  I make light appear magically when I enter a room, and best of all I can turn a door handle.

Ultimately researchers will not fully agree on exact times and dates but through the use of DNA testing we can get almost all the way back to the earliest known one of three, or one of seven, female ancestors.

That is quite an accomplishment for sure.

With Y DNA genealogy testing, a male can find out his father’s line of the family. This is because only men have the Y chromosome. The testing on this short chromosome is the Y STR test. This is helpful in discovering the past since this is passed down from father to son.

The STR is a segment of the DNA in the Y chromosome in the region that is considered Junk. The letters STR stand for short tandem repeats. The number of times a segment repeats itself is called the allele. This number is distinctive within a population which leads to surname lineage.

There are over 100 different markers in the Y DNA chromosome, but the typical one tested is the 10-67 STR marker. This identifies the haplotype that the sample belongs to. Within this testing the SNPs are notices. These are the single nucleotide polymorphism. These are observed for any changes and help identify the Haplogroup a sample is from. The mutation rate of the SNP is very low. For this reason, it is the ideal candidate for mapping a family tree.

Before a sample is tested, the number of markers to be identified should be chosen. Some only test for 12 markers, while others test for 67. For any surname project, at least 25 markers should be tested. The greater the number of markers that are identified, the more conclusive the results will be.

When a mutation occurs in a SNP, more than 1% of the population must have this same mutation for the SNP to be considered useful. If your SNP mutation is in less than 1%, then it is a personal SNP and is distinctive to your family tree.

The Y DNA genealogy testing of the SNP and the STR is the only way to determine the male ancestral line. The greater the number of markers are identified, the more accurate the results.