BCG BCG DNA & Genetic Genealogy 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What type of DNA is inherited from both parents but recombines each generation, making it useful for identifying relatives within approximately 5–6 generations?
- Y-DNA
- Mitochondrial DNA
- Autosomal DNA (Correct answer)
- X-DNA
Correct answer: Autosomal DNA
Autosomal DNA is inherited from both parents and undergoes recombination, making it effective for identifying relatives within roughly five to six generations.
Question 2: Which term describes the process of grouping DNA matches into clusters based on shared matches to identify likely common ancestors?
- Phasing
- Triangulation
- Clustering (Correct answer)
- Haplogroup assignment
Correct answer: Clustering
Clustering organizes DNA matches into groups of individuals who share matches with each other, helping identify which ancestral line a match belongs to.
Question 3: What is a 'false positive' in the context of genetic genealogy matches?
- A match who refuses to share their family tree
- A DNA segment that appears shared due to population endogamy or statistical noise rather than a true genealogical relationship (Correct answer)
- A haplogroup assignment that contradicts documentary evidence
- A mitochondrial DNA match outside the direct maternal line
Correct answer: A DNA segment that appears shared due to population endogamy or statistical noise rather than a true genealogical relationship
False positive matches occur when shared DNA segments reflect population patterns or statistical artifacts rather than a verifiable common ancestor.
Question 4: Under BCG standards, which statement best describes how genetic genealogy evidence should be cited?
- DNA test results need not be cited since they are digital
- Cite the testing company, kit number, test date, match name, and shared DNA amount (Correct answer)
- Only cite DNA when it is the sole evidence for a conclusion
- Cite DNA results using the same format as census records
Correct answer: Cite the testing company, kit number, test date, match name, and shared DNA amount
Proper citation of DNA evidence includes the testing company, kit number, test date, match identity, and shared segment data to enable verification.
Question 5: What does 'phasing' accomplish in the analysis of autosomal DNA results?
- It determines the mutation rate of a DNA segment
- It assigns DNA segments to the maternal or paternal chromosome of the tested individual (Correct answer)
- It converts raw DNA data into a readable haplogroup
- It identifies which segments are identical by descent versus identical by state
Correct answer: It assigns DNA segments to the maternal or paternal chromosome of the tested individual
Phasing assigns each DNA segment to either the maternal or paternal chromosome, clarifying which parent a match's shared DNA comes through.
Question 6: Which BCG competency is demonstrated when a genealogist accurately interprets a DNA match's relationship range and integrates it with documentary evidence?
- Client management
- Evidence correlation and analysis (Correct answer)
- Archival research
- Legal compliance
Correct answer: Evidence correlation and analysis
Correlating DNA relationship predictions with documentary genealogical evidence demonstrates the core BCG competency of evidence analysis and correlation.
BCG BCG DNA & Genetic Genealogy 2
What type of DNA is inherited from both parents but recombines each generation, making it useful for identifying relatives within approximately 5–6 generations?