Ancient Haplogroups
A "haplogroup" identifies a group of people who ahre a common genetic ancestor along the paternal or the maternal line. Haplogroups represent true biological relationships, as people within the groups share ancestral roots. Each haplogroup is associated with a specific migration path out of Africa and around the world, resulting in haplogroups that are more predominant in specific regions of the world.
Find your ancient paternal haplogroup with Y-DNA
Y-DNA Haplogroups are ancient paternal family groups. All males carry Y-DNA, which is inherited along the paternal line. Y-DNA testing allows you to trace the ancestry of your direct paternal lineage (your father’s, father’s, father’s… paternal lineage). The Y-DNA test can only be taken by males, because only males have Y-DNA.
Find your ancient maternal haplogroup with mtDNA
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) Haplogroups are ancient maternal family groups. MtDNA is the DNA that is found in the mitochondria of cells, and is passed down strictly from mother to child. MtDNA testing allows you to trace the ancestry of your direct maternal lineage (your mother’s, mother’s, mother’s… maternal lineage). Both males and females have mtDNA so both males and females can take the mtDNA test.