In this episode of Research Like a Pro, Diana and Nicole explore the use of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and WikiTree in genealogical research. They explain that mtDNA is inherited from our mothers, with only females passing it on, and how it differs from autosomal DNA by coming from a distant maternal ancestor. They discuss how mtDNA testing reveals haplogroups, genetic population groups with a common ancestor, and share their personal testing experiences with 23andMe, FamilyTree DNA, and Living DNA, highlighting the northern European origins of their haplogroup, U5b1c2b.

The hosts emphasize that while mtDNA changes very little over generations, making it difficult to pinpoint recent common ancestors, it is useful for confirming or refuting specific female ancestral lines. They discuss integrating DNA information into WikiTree, a collaborative and free online platform, which allows users to add mtDNA haplogroups to family profiles, enhancing genealogical research by sharing DNA data with other researchers.

They provide practical tips for getting started on WikiTree, including creating a login, adding ancestors, and integrating DNA information from various testing services. They also highlight unique features of WikiTree, such as the DNA Ancestors view, which shows the inheritance of different types of DNA from ancestors. This episode offers valuable insights into using mtDNA and WikiTree as powerful tools in genealogical research.

Links

https://www.wikitree.com/

Honoring my Matrilineal Grandmothers: A Look at Mitochondrial DNA - https://familylocket.com/honoring-my-matrilineal-grandmothers-a-look-at-mitochondrial-dna/

WikiTree and My Mitochondrial DNA - https://familylocket.com/wikitree-and-my-mitochondrial-dna/

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Research Like a Pro Resources

Airtable Universe - Nicole's Airtable Templates - https://www.airtable.com/universe/creator/usrsBSDhwHyLNnP4O/nicole-dyer

Airtable Research Logs Quick Reference - by Nicole Dyer - https://familylocket.com/product-tag/airtable/

Research Like a Pro: A Genealogist's Guide book by Diana Elder with Nicole Dyer on Amazon.com - https://amzn.to/2x0ku3d

14-Day Research Like a Pro Challenge Workbook - digital - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-digital-only/ and spiral bound - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-spiral-bound/

Research Like a Pro Webinar Series 2024 - monthly case study webinars including documentary evidence and many with DNA evidence - https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-webinar-series-2024/

Research Like a Pro eCourse - independent study course -  https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-e-course/

RLP Study Group - upcoming group and email notification list - https://familylocket.com/services/research-like-a-pro-study-group/

Research Like a Pro with DNA Resources

Research Like a Pro with DNA: A Genealogist's Guide to Finding and Confirming Ancestors with DNA Evidence book by Diana Elder, Nicole Dyer, and Robin Wirthlin - https://amzn.to/3gn0hKx

Research Like a Pro with DNA eCourse - independent study course -  https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-with-dna-ecourse/

RLP with DNA Study Group - upcoming group and email notification list - https://familylocket.com/services/research-like-a-pro-with-dna-study-group/

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