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Chris Pomery
Interpreting DNA results
Results' interpretation is the trickiest aspect of DNA testing. However, there's a simple rule of thumb to check whether two Y-chromosome results indicate a relationship during a genealogical timeframe. Read this report to understand how haplotype resolutions work:
Common Ancestry rule-of-thumb table
The MRCA calculation allows you to compare two Y-chromosome results to determine whether the men tested are related within a genealogical timeframe or not. Read here how the calculation works and how to use it:
Most Recent Common Ancestor (MRCA) calculator
Commercial Y-chromosome tests have used more than fifty different markers. Read this file for notes on each one:
Marker information
Each marker mutates at a different rate. Read this file to get up to date on mutation rates for each marker:
Mutation rate information
DNA results usually force genealogists to rethink their previous research. This file describes the different reasons why 'genetic trees' and family trees can look different and includes data on non-paternity & illegitimacy rates:
Dislocations between 'genetic trees' and 'family trees'
There are 4 online databases that you can use to find out more information about your Y-chromosome DNA result. Read this file to find out how input your result data and to understand their results:
Online databases of DNA results
The Atlantic Modal Haplotype is the most common Y-chromosome result in western Europe. Find out what it is and where it's found, plus other information about European haplotypes:
Atlantic Modal Haplotype
As more DNA results are researched, some of the methods of interpreting the results are challenged. Read this file to explore these contentious issues:
Contentious issues in interpretation
The articles and
papers in this section are in PDF format. If you are unable to view them,
you can download a free PDF reader.
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