Before discussing stories about another line of ancestors, I want to share some additional DNA test results which I received. Previously, I mentioned  that my first DNA test was to determine my Y-Chromosome genetic profile which tracks paternal lineage, and that I successfully used those results to close a gap in our Ayers line of male ancestors. To refresh your memory, see the post “DNA Solves The Mystery”

Subsequently, in late 2012, I also had a newly available type of DNA test run to determine my “genetic ethnicity”. Without getting too technical, the new test analyzes Autosomal DNA, which includes all 23 pairs of chromosomes, as opposed to only the Y-Chromosome. Thus a person’s Autosomal DNA includes genetic information from both the father and the mother and provides a complete heritage picture. Autosomal DNA markers can then be compared to various ethnic groups from around the world to see which groups match. These groups can be defined by time and place. So, a person’s genetic ethnicity may reveal where their ancestors lived hundreds or perhaps even thousands of years ago.

Since my 2012 test, thousands of other people have also taken the Autosomal DNA test.  More people means more data to analyze. As the number of testers continues to grow, the additional data is causing the genepools to continuously be refined, resulting in clearer identification of my ethnicity. So, as of 2020, my data indicates that my ethnicity is 81 % from the British Isles and Northwestern Europe, and 19% from Scandinavia. Analysis of my data by other testing laboratories using their defined genepools show slightly different percentages, but my general ethnicity stayed very similar. The British and Northwestern Europe part of this mix is very obvious from my family history research, but where did the Scandinavian part come from?  Recall from history that about 1000 years ago, the Vikings from Scandinavia swarmed down into Europe and graciously spread their genes around as they plundered, pillaged and intermingled with those already living there. So, during this time those Viking genes most certainly would have been added to my genes.

Now, my results may have also included traces of other genetic populations that were too low to pinpoint. For example, I know from my research that I have traces of American Indian ancestry in my genepool, but it obviously was not enough to show up in this test. (By the way Indian ethnicity would probably show up as East Asian since that is from where they originally came).

Lastly, no one else will have identical test results as mine. This even includes my sister, who may have very similar results, but not quite the same. This is because half of your DNA is inherited from your father and half from your mother. However, the genes picked up from each half is variable and can result in many unique combinations. So, she and I don’t share all the exact same genes, which I’m fairly certain makes her most happy!