🧬 DNA
🧬 What to Expect From a DNA Ancestry Test
A DNA ancestry test analyzes specific markers in your DNA to estimate where your ancestors likely came from, how your DNA connects to different populations, and what inherited traits you may carry.
🌍 1. Ancestry Regions & Percentage Breakdown
What You’ll See
A list of world regions (e.g. Southern Europe, West Africa, East Asia)
A percentage estimate for each region (e.g. 32% Southern European, 18% Levantine)
What It Means
Percentages reflect how closely your DNA matches reference populations
They are estimates, not exact family records
Results may change slightly as databases grow
🔹 Important: Regions represent genetic similarity, not nationality or citizenship.
🗺️ 2. DNA Ancestry Maps & Migration Paths
What You’ll See
Highlighted regions on a world map
Sometimes ancient migration routes
What It Means
Shows where your ancestors likely lived hundreds or thousands of years ago
Does not mean your parents or grandparents lived in those exact places
👨👩👧 3. Parental DNA Inheritance (Autosomal DNA)
What You’ll Learn
You inherit 50% of your DNA from each parent
DNA tests may show how regions split between:
Parent 1
Parent 2
What It Can Tell You
Broad ancestral background from both sides
Shared ancestry with relatives
What It Cannot Tell You
Exact identity of a parent
Which grandparent gave you a specific trait (without family matches)
🧬 4. Maternal Line (mtDNA)
What You’ll Learn
Your direct maternal line (mother → grandmother → great-grandmother)
A maternal haplogroup
What It Means
Traces ancestry back thousands of years
Same mtDNA is shared by siblings from the same mother
🔹 Does not include your father’s maternal line
🧔 5. Paternal Line (Y-DNA) (Males Only)
What You’ll Learn
Your direct paternal line (father → grandfather → great-grandfather)
A paternal haplogroup
What It Means
Tracks male lineage only
Useful for surname history and deep ancestry
🔹 Females do not receive Y-DNA results
🧠 6. Traits & Personality Tendencies
What You May Receive
DNA tests sometimes report genetic tendencies, such as:
Sleep patterns
Sensitivity to caffeine
Muscle type (endurance vs power)
Taste preferences (e.g. bitter sensitivity)
Risk tolerance or novelty-seeking (very general)
Important to Know
Traits are probabilities, not predictions
Environment, upbringing, and lifestyle matter more
DNA does not define your personality
🟡 Think of this as possibility, not destiny.
🧬 7. Health & Wellness Insights (Optional)
Some tests offer:
Carrier status for inherited conditions
Vitamin absorption tendencies
Metabolism indicators
⚠️ These are not medical diagnoses
Always consult a healthcare professional for health decisions.
Genetics Traits
Suggest possibilities, not destiny.
👥 8. DNA Matches & Relatives
What You Might See
People who share DNA with you
Estimated relationship (e.g. 2nd–4th cousin)
What This Means
Shared ancestors somewhere in your family tree
Does not automatically identify close family
🔄 9. Why Results May Change Over Time
DNA databases grow constantly. Updates may:
Refine region percentages
Add new regions
Improve accuracy
📈 This is normal and expected
❗ 10. What DNA Tests Cannot Tell You
DNA ancestry tests cannot:
Prove cultural identity
Confirm religion or ethnicity
Predict exact life outcomes
Replace family records or history
🧩 Summary: What You Can Expect
✔ Regional ancestry estimates
✔ Interactive maps
✔ Maternal & paternal lineage
✔ Trait tendencies (not certainties)
✔ Possible relative matches
✔ Ongoing improvements
❌ Exact ancestors
❌ Personality definitions
❌ Guaranteed accuracy