The difference between genealogy and ancestry origin testing

Genealogy and ancestry origin testing are both ways to explore one's family history and heritage. Although being misused interchangeably, they are two distinct methods with different approaches and goals. In this article, we will explore the differences between genealogy and ancestry origin testing.

Genealogy

Genealogy is the study and tracing of family lineages and histories. It involves using various records and documents such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, census records, and other historical documents to build a family tree and understand the relationships between ancestors. 

It often involves extensive research and may require contacting relatives, visiting archives and libraries, and searching online databases. The goal of genealogy is to create a comprehensive family tree that includes as much information as possible about each ancestor. This can include details such as birth and death dates, marriage and divorce records, occupation, and military service. Genealogy can help individuals understand their family history, learn about their ancestors' experiences, and build a sense of connection to their past.

A challenge of genealogy is that records and documents can be difficult to find or may not exist. Records may have been lost, destroyed, or never created in the first place. Additionally, some records may be in a foreign language, which can make research more challenging.

Ancestry

Ancestry origin testing, also known as DNA testing or genetic testing, is a test that analyzes a person's DNA to determine their genetic ancestry. This type of test can provide information about a person's ethnic and regional ancestry, often going back hundreds or thousands of years. Ancestry origin testing is based on the fact that different populations around the world have unique genetic markers that can be identified through DNA analysis.

There are several types of ancestry origin tests, including autosomal DNA testing, mitochondrial DNA testing, and Y-chromosome DNA testing. More about different types of DNA tests you can find here. 

The goal of ancestry origin testing is to provide individuals with a better understanding of their genetic ancestry and heritage. This can help individuals learn about their family history, connect with relatives they may not have known existed, and gain a greater sense of identity.

A challenge of ancestry origin testing is that the results can be complex and difficult to interpret. Additionally, some individuals may not be comfortable with the idea of sharing their DNA with a company or organization, which can be a barrier to testing.

In conclusion, while genealogy and ancestry origin testing are related, they serve different purposes. Genealogy is primarily focused on understanding family relationships and building a family tree, while ancestry origin testing provides information about a person's genetic ancestry and ethnic heritage. 

At BioCertica, we offer a DNA Ancestry Kit, which you should take if you are interested into unlocking your ancestry. Moreover, if you want to learn more about how do we perform ancestry DNA analysis, you can refer to our article.