How many generations does a Y-chromosome DNA (Y-DNA) test trace?
Y-chromosome DNA (Y-DNA) tests trace both recent and distant generations. The number of generations traced by a Y-chromosome DNA test depends on the type of test taken, short tandem repeat (STR) or single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). STR tests are able to trace a male lineage within genealogical times and into historic times. Your genealogical connections will be shown on the Y-DNA Matches page of your myFTDNA account. The Y-DNA Ancestral Origins page of your myFTDNA account will point towards possible countries of origin.1 On the other hand, Y-DNA SNP tests are able to trace both ancient anthropological migrations and more recent prehistoric movements. A Y-DNA SNP test also identifies the haplogroup, which represents your deep ancestral origins (tens of thousands of years ago). See also: Y-DNA Backbone Test and Y-DNA Deep Clade Test If you have few matches on either page, this list will not be statistically representative. You, therefore, will need to wait until more people are adde
