Analyzing Y-DNA Testing-Solving Genealogical Mysteries
Y-DNA Testing Discussion
Y-DNA testing is a valuable genealogical tool administered to men only and is used to trace their paternal ancestry. During reproduction, the Y chromosome is passed down almost unchanged, implying that it remains the same for a very long time. Y-DNA testing involves two tests: Short Tandem Repeat (STR) tests that aim at identifying unique sequences along with the Y chromosome DNA, and Single Nucleotides Polymorphism (SNP) tests that identify variations in a single DNA unit (Bettinger and Wayne, 2016). The authors identified that Thomas Riggs’ descendants “genetically match at 35 of 37 markers on their Y chromosomes.” This indicates that a definitive haplotype signature was determined following Y-STR and Y-SNP testing. Thus, the results are potentially vital and provide grounds to conclude that the two test-takers share a common ancestor.
Y-DNA Test Result Interpretation
Y-DNA tests administered to the two male descendants of Thomas Riggs portray a genetic match on 35 of 37 markers on their Y chromosome, as indicated by the authors (Smith and Anderson, 2007). Y-DNA testing provides a haplogroup estimation through Y-STR tests and determines a definitive haplogroup via Y-SNP tests. Thus, the results show a considerable genetic match, potentially suggesting that Thomas Riggs of Gloucester, Massachusetts, in 1658 and Edward Riggs of Roxbury, Massachusetts, in 1633, had descent from a similar paternal ancestry. Therefore, it would not be premature for the authors to pursue research to find Edward Riggs’ parentage in Hawkshead.
Conclusion
In summary, researchers use Y-DNA testing as an essential genealogical tool to trace men’s patrilineal ancestry. Y chromosome DNA is inherited by sons almost completely unchanged from their fathers, enabling genealogists to connect an individual to his original male-line ancestry. The Y-DNA test results provided in the article provide DNA evidence that Thomas Riggs and Edward Riggs share a common paternal ancestor and gives the authors reason to pursue research on Edward Riggs’ parentage in Hawkshead.
References
Bettinger, B., and Wayne, D. (2016). Genetic genealogy in practice. National Genealogical Society.
Smith, A., and Anderson, R. (2007). Proposed Hawkshead, Lancashire, Origins of Edward Riggs of Roxbury, Massachusetts, and Thomas Riggs of Gloucester. The American Genealogist, 82, 120-129.
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Question 
Now that you have read about Y-DNA testing and how the results can be utilized for genealogical research let’s check your knowledge. In this activity, you will review, analyze, and discuss an article about using Y-DNA to solve a genealogical question.
Analyzing Y-DNA Testing- Solving Genealogical Mysteries
The following article and the discussion questions will help evaluate your understanding of Y-DNA testing, including the inheritance pattern of Y-DNA and the use of test results to examine a real-life genealogical question.
Read the following article:
• Alvay Ray Smith and Robert Charles Anderson, “Proposed Hawkshead, Lancashire,
• Origins of Edward Riggs of Roxbury, Massachusetts, and Thomas Riggs of Gloucester,”
• The American Genealogist 82(2007): 120-29. Available online at http://alvyray.com/riggs/printpapers/HawksheadRiggs_finalTAGversion.pdf (Links to an external site.) [PDF file size 94.6 KB]
Proceed to the discussion area and engage in the following questions. For best grading results and to shape the discussion, read the accompanying rubric. Post at least one original comment and at least two thoughtful responses to classmates for each question. This discussion will open on the first Monday, closing when the module does. Posting your original comments no later than Thursday night gives your classmates time to respond and maximizes your possible points.
• Discussion Question #1: The authors do not provide the actual Y-DNA results of any of the test-takers, only providing what they term the “Y-chromosome ‘signature’ (haplotype)” of the two ancestors. For example, we know only that the two tested descendants of Thomas Riggs “genetically match at 35 of 37 markers on their Y chromosomes.” Is the identity of the two discordant markers vital to your interpretation of the author’s conclusions? Why or why not?
• Discussion Question #2: Is the authors’ conclusion that “[t]he DNA evidence proves that Thomas1 Riggs of Gloucester, Massachusetts, in 1658 and Edward1 Riggs of Roxbury, Massachusetts, in 1633 were related” sufficiently supported by the evidence? Based on the Y-DNA evidence presented, should the authors pursue research in Hawkshead to try to find the parentage of Edward Riggs, or is it premature? Why or why not?