CGL Genetic Genealogy 3

Question 1

When teaching DNA basics to beginner genealogists, which analogy most effectively illustrates how autosomal DNA is randomly inherited and reduced with each generation?

Accepted Answer

A deck of cards that is shuffled and halved with each new generation

Answer

A telephone game where messages get progressively distorted

Answer

A photocopy that becomes less clear over time

Answer

Tree branches that grow further apart with each generation

Question 2

When a DNA match is found that might resolve a brick wall ancestor, what is the most appropriate first step?

Accepted Answer

Build out the match's family tree to search for a common ancestor

Answer

Immediately contact the match to request their family information

Answer

Order additional DNA tests from other companies to confirm the connection

Answer

Submit the DNA findings to a peer-reviewed genealogical journal

Question 3

Which overarching genealogical standard requires that DNA evidence be combined with documentary research rather than standing alone as proof?

Accepted Answer

The Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS)

Answer

The DNA Evidence Standard

Answer

The Scientific Evidence Standard

Answer

The Reasonably Exhaustive Search Standard

Question 4

When presenting ethnicity estimates from a DNA test, what key limitation must a genealogical lecturer disclose to the audience?

Accepted Answer

Ethnicity estimates are approximations based on reference populations that are periodically updated and subject to change

Answer

DNA ethnicity tests are only valid for people born in the United States

Answer

Ethnicity estimates expire after five years and require a retest

Answer

DNA ethnicity tests cannot detect ancestry beyond three generations

Question 5

The 'Leeds Method' is a DNA clustering technique that typically groups autosomal DNA matches into how many color-coded clusters?

Accepted Answer

Four clusters representing each of the four grandparent lines

Answer

Two clusters representing maternal and paternal sides

Answer

Six clusters representing great-grandparent lines

Answer

Eight clusters for each great-great-grandparent line

Question 6

Which publication is considered the authoritative resource for setting standards for evaluating all genealogical evidence, including DNA?

Accepted Answer

Genealogical Standards by the Board for Certification of Genealogists (BCG)

Answer

Evidence Explained by Elizabeth Shown Mills

Answer

The National Genealogical Society Quarterly Style Guide

Answer

The FamilySearch Research Wiki

Question 7

When teaching why two first cousins might share very different amounts of autosomal DNA, what is the most accurate explanation to offer students?

Accepted Answer

Random recombination during meiosis means DNA inheritance is variable, so first cousins can share anywhere from roughly 550–1,200 cM

Answer

DNA testing algorithms are inconsistent between companies and produce variable results

Answer

One cousin may have undisclosed ancestry outside the expected relationship

Answer

The difference reflects which parent's DNA was more dominant in each cousin