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Steps involved in determining your Y-DNA Haplogroup and Subclade
Y-DNA contains two types of ancestral markers: STR markers and SNP markers. STRs and SNPs hold different types of information and are used for different purposes. (see comparison chart).
The Y-DNA haplogroup investigation process involves several levels of testing.
1. Y-DNA STR testing - predicting your Y-DNA haplogroup
Beginners usually start with the Y-DNA STR test because Y-DNA STR markers can be used in the widest range of ancestral search applications (see applications chart). Y-DNA STR markers can also be used to predict an individual's haplogroup. However, the only way to confirm an individual's haplogroup is with SNP backbone testing.
2. SNP backbone testing - confirming your Y-DNA haplogroup
Individuals wishing to investigate further can confirm their Y-DNA haplogroup with the Y-DNA SNP backbone test. The Y-DNA phylogenetic tree of man is constructed based upon SNP marker data and shows how all people living today are descendents of ancient family clans called "haplogroups" which can be traced back 150,000 years. By testing the unique pattern of SNP markers in your Y-DNA, you can confirm which haplogroup you belong to and confirm you exact placement in the phylogenetic tree of mankind.
3. SNP subclade testing - confirming your Y-DNA Subclade
Once your haplogroup is determined, you can refine it further with SNP subclade testing in order to determine your Subclade. Each haplogroup can be further subclassified into numberous sub-branches called subclades. Subclade analysis examines SNP markers downstream of your haplogroup and allows you to discover your subclade and further fine tune your placement in the Y-DNA haplogroup tree.
3. SNP Stand alone testing - refining your Y-DNA Subclade as further refinements are discovered
The Y-DNA phylogenetic tree is growing rapidly as new SNP markers are discovered at a rapid pace. These new discoveries allow further subclassification of people into finer branches of the Y-DNA tree. As the Y-DNA tree expands, the branching of the tree becomes more complex. If a SNP is discovered that can further refine your subclade, you will be able to keep up with the latest changes in the Y-DNA phylogenetic tree through SNP stand alone marker testing by testing the newly discovered SNP.
Summary of the Y-DNA haplogroup investigation process
Predicting your Y-DNA Haplogroup
What: Testing 20 to 91 Y-DNA STR markers.Why: To predict your Y-DNA haplogroup, participate in DNA Clans, DNA Reunion, DNA Archaeology.
What you will find out: You will predict which haplogroup you most likely belong to.
Confirming your Y-DNA Haplogroup
What: Testing haplogroup specific Y-DNA SNP markers (Y-DNA Backbone SNP testing)Why: To confirm your Y-DNA haplogroup
What you will find out: You will conclusively confirm which Y-DNA haplogroup you belong to (main branch of Y-DNA phylogenetic tree).
Confirming your Y-DNA Subclade
What: Testing subclade specific SNP markers unique to your haplogroup (Y-DNA Subclade SNP testing)Why: To confirm you Y-DNA Subclade
What you will find out: You will confirm which Y-DNA Subclade you belong to (finer branches of Y-DNA phylogenetic tree).
Refining your Y-DNA Subclade as further refinements are discovered
What: Testing newly discovered SNP markers as they become available (Y-DNA Stand Alone SNP Panels)Why: To refine your subclade as research progresses
What you will find out: You will gain further refinements to your subclade.
If you have not tested yet, order your test at Genetrack.
Next: List of Y-DNA STR Applications »Test your own DNA to begin searching.
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