WHAT IS MOLECULAR GENEALOGY?
Molecular Genealogy links individuals together in “family trees” based on the unique identification of genetic markers. This is accomplished by using the information encoded in the DNA of an individual and/or population to determine the relatedness of individuals, families, tribal groups, and populations. Pedigrees based on genetic markers can reveal relationships not detectable in genealogies based only on names, written records, or oral traditions. There may be a number of individuals named John Smith, but a genetic identification is unique and can even discriminate between closely related individuals or those sharing the same name. There is not another individual that has ever lived on the earth or that will ever live that has the same genetic identification. The fact that DNA is inherited and that each individual is the product of his/her progenitors means that DNA can be used to not only create unique identifications, but also to identify members of the same family,! the same clan
