12 December 2008

Wikipedia: The free online, interactive encyclopedia

Most everyone knows about Wikipedia, and that the resource is considered as accurate as any encyclopedia since readers continually update and repair any misstatements. There are multitudes of pages on any subject, but here we are interested only in Genetic Genealogy. Although the depth of knowledge for the topic can be extensive, for the novice, this is a real gem.

To see an overview of Genetic Genealogy, either search for Wikipedia + Genetic Genealogy in your Browser or go to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetic_genealogy

This site provides reasons for testing and addresses the concerns people have regarding testing. There are many books and online resources as well.

Below are only a few of the links listed on this page:

Allele
Allele frequency
Electropherogram
Genealogical DNA test
Genetic recombination
Haplogroup
Haplotype
Human mitochondrial DNA haplogroups
Human Y-chromosome DNA haplogroups
Human mitochondrial genetics
Most recent common ancestor
Short tandem repeat (STR)
Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)
Y-STR (Y-chromosome short tandem repeat)
Y-DNA haplogroups by ethnic groups

Be sure to click on the link for Genealogical DNA Testing
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genealogical_DNA_test

This section has information on the terms haplotype, haplogroup, SNP, and STRs as well as they types of tests and understanding various tests.

Other topics in this section include:
Autosome
Electropherogram
FamilyTreeDNA
Genetic fingerprinting
Genetic genealogy
Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act
Genetic testing
Haplogroup
Haplotype
HARRIS Surname DNA Project
International HapMap Project
List of DNA tested mummies
List of haplogroups of historical and famous figures
List of DYS markers
List of Y-STR public databases
Mitochondrial DNA
Paternity test
Short tandem repeat
Single nucleotide polymorphism


Do not be overwhelmed by the information here; the novice does not need to consume all this information. Information is provided for any level of interest and this site is most helpful for DNA project administrators, as well.

Wikipeida provides one location you can locate a topic for which you desire more information and just click!

The International Society of Genetic Genealogy has also provided much information to help the beginner genetic genealogist. It would be beneficial to join the non-profit group (no cost to you, your information is not given or sold, and the only requirement is to spread the word about genetic testing for genealogy) and subscribe to their email list. I would caution you to view it online or in digest. This email list will help you learn more about how genetic genealogy helps your research, the site provides many files and links to assist you, the email list will allow you to ask any question regarding DNA and get advice from those more knowledgeable. The list is monitored by some experts in the field.

To join ISOGG:

http://www.isogg.org/

Tell them you learned about this from my blog.

For a glossary of terms to help you with genetic genealogy and to use for your interenet searches:

http://www.isogg.org/course/glossary.htm


©aulicino 5 December 2008

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