How Conclusive Are Y-Chromosome DNA Results?
In a study like this, the results of the individual Neel-surnamed participants are compared in a table. Those with identical Y-chromosome results would be considered as highly likely to have a common, recent paternal ancestor. Those whose combined marker-value-differences total 4 or more would be considered as rather unlikely to share a recent common paternal ancestor. Much of the study should fall within the boundaries of these two more conclusive scenarios. For those participants whose results differ by 1, 2, or 3 combined marker-value-differences, the potential for a common recent paternal ancestor is there, but the results are inconclusive. To give a much over-simplified rule of thumb for mutation frequency, there might be an average of one mutated Y-chromosome marker per hundred years up or down the male ancestral chain. But some markers are much more prone to mutate than others. This genetic ancestral science is still in its early development.
Related Questions
- For Family Finder, there is nothing that automatically becomes public like Y-chromosome DNA results. How can I share related discoveries with my project members?
- How can I share more related discoveries with my project members since there is nothing that automatically becomes public like Y-chromosome DNA results?
- Does the Family Finder test use Y-chromosome DNA (Y-DNA) test results?
