Ancestry DNA in Genealogy Research
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Introduction
Ancestry was founded in 1996 and has been selling DNA tests since 2012. They are based in Lehi, Utah. Ancestry does not allow raw data uploads from other companies. The only way to get into their DNA database is to test with them directly.
Testing Process
Ancestry DNA uses a spit tube. If you or the person testing may struggle with this, consider testing with FamilyTreeDNA, MyHeritage, or Living DNA instead as they all use cheek swabs which are usually easier.
Database Size
As of October 8th, 2024, Ancestry DNA has sold over 25 million DNA kits. They have the largest database of any genetic genealogy company.
Unique Tools
Thrulines
Ancestry offers the ability to link your DNA and pedigree together. You can upload your tree, link your DNA to yourself in the tree and then Ancestry will start comparing your tree against all your genetic relatives who also have linked their trees to their DNA. Not everyone has done this and many users have both DNA and a tree, but have not linked the two. Those will not appear in Thrulines.
After Ancestry has compared your tree and tried to find as many genetic connections as possible, Ancestry will allow you to see all of these possible connections using Thrulines. Thrulines allows you to click on an Ancestor, and then it shows you all the other matches it thinks descends from that Ancestor and their relationships. It can even use their massive database of online trees to fill in some of the gaps when a match of interest only has a partial tree.
One important thing to know about Thrulines is that it does not "go through the DNA." The conclusions are entirely based on the pedigrees. If the pedigrees are inaccurate, then Thrulines will be wrong as well. Make sure to always verify the information provided by Thrulines.
Matches by Parent
Ancestry DNA uses SideView Technology (their internal chromosome browser) to sort your matches based on which side of the family they are on. If at least one of your parents has already tested, your matches will automatically be assigned paternal or maternal. If not, your matches will only be assigned Parent 1 and Parent 2. You can then analyze the matches yourself and assign Parent 1 and 2 to their correct sides. Once you do, all of the matches will be adjusted accordingly. For more information, click here.
Pro Tools
Ancestry offers an add on called Pro Tools. For genetic genealogists, the most important feature included is the Enhanced Shared Matches feature. When looking at the shared matches between yourself and another person in the database, normally Ancestry only provides the amount of cM's that you share with the match. The enhanced shared matches also tell you how much the other person shares with all of the shared matches. For more information click here.