The genetic makeup of an individual is the result of the inherited genes from their ancestors. By conducting a DNA analysis, we can identify genetic similarities to ancient populations and gain insight into an individual’s ancestry. Human migration must be taken into account when interpreting these results, as it can affect the genetic makeup of a population.
Known genetic connections among world populations:
- Individuals with ancient African ancestry may match genetic samples from Europe or the Americas, due to the transatlantic slave trade that brought many Africans to these regions.
- Individuals with ancient East Asian ancestry may match genetic samples from Polynesia or the Americas, due to the migration of Polynesians to the Americas around 1,000 years ago (see: “Austronesian peoples” on Wikipedia).
- Individuals with ancient European ancestry may match genetic samples from the Middle East or North Africa, due to the movement of populations between these regions throughout history.
- Individuals with ancient Middle Eastern ancestry may match genetic samples from Europe, due to the movement of populations between these regions throughout history.
- Individuals with ancient South Asian ancestry may match genetic samples from Central Asia or the Middle East, due to the movement of populations between these regions throughout history.
- Individuals with ancient Native American ancestry may match genetic samples from Siberia, due to the migration of the first humans to the Americas from Siberia around 15,000 years ago (see: “Native Americans in the United States” on Wikipedia).
- Individuals with ancient Scandinavian ancestry may match genetic samples from Britain or Ireland, due to the Viking invasions of these regions in the 8th and 9th centuries.
- Individuals with ancient Greek ancestry may match genetic samples from Italy or the Balkans, due to the spread of the ancient Greek civilization to these regions.
- Individuals with ancient Roman ancestry may match genetic samples from Western Europe, due to the expansion of the Roman Empire to these regions.
- Individuals with ancient Celtic ancestry may match genetic samples from Spain or Portugal, due to the movement of Celtic tribes to these regions in ancient times.
- Individuals with ancient Germanic ancestry may match genetic samples from Eastern Europe, due to the migration of Germanic tribes to these regions in ancient times.
- Individuals with ancient Slavic ancestry may match genetic samples from Western Europe, due to the migration of Slavic tribes to these regions in ancient times.
- Individuals with ancient Iranian ancestry may match genetic samples from Central Asia or the Caucasus, due to the movement of populations between these regions throughout history.
- Individuals with ancient Turkish ancestry may match genetic samples from the Caucasus or Central Asia, due to the movement of populations between these regions throughout history.
- Individuals with ancient Mongolian ancestry may match genetic samples from Siberia or East Asia, due to the expansion of the Mongol Empire to these regions in the 13th and 14th centuries.
- Individuals with ancient Indian ancestry may match genetic samples from Central Asia or the Middle East, due to the movement of populations between these regions throughout history.
- Individuals with ancient Chinese ancestry may match genetic samples from Southeast Asia or the Pacific Islands, due to the migration of Chinese populations to these regions throughout history.
- Individuals with ancient Japanese ancestry may match genetic samples from Korea or the Ryukyu Islands, due to the movement of populations between these regions throughout history.
