Dictionary

family history: A systematic narrative and research of past events relating to specific family or families. "Family history" is an umbrella term that applies to genealogy and ancestry studies.

family tree: A chart representing family relationships in a conventional form resembling a tree.

genealogical DNA test: A way of examining a person’s DNA for genetic genealogy purposes.

genealogy: The study and tracing of families, which usually involves identifying ancestral or descendant families by using historical records to establish biological, genetic or familial kinship.

genealogy software: Computer software designed to collect, visualize and publish genealogical data, including the date and place of an individuals’ birth, marriage and death. It can also store the relationships of individuals to their parents, spouses and children.

genetic genealogy: The use of genealogical DNA testing to determine the level of genetic relationship between individuals.

haplogroup: A grouping of individuals with the same genetic characteristics.

haplotype: A grouping of multiple linked loci that is revealed in a Y-Line test.

historical documents: Any document or group of documents that contain important information about a person, place or event that can be used for genealogy confirmation.

hyperdescent: The practice of determining the lineage of a child of mixed race ancestry by assigning the child the race of his more socially dominant parent.

hyper-variable region (HVR): In a mtDNA test, HVR refers to two separate regions inherited from a subject’s mother. The first sequences 470 nucleotides, and the second references 290 nucleotides.