Description

GENE201 Module 2 M2D1: mtDNA and X-DNA Discussion Questions

Now that you have read about mtDNA and X-DNA testing and how the results of these tests can be utilized for genealogical research, let’s check your knowledge.

This article and the following discussion questions help evaluate your understanding of mtDNA and X-DNA testing. You will review the inheritance patterns of mtDNA and X-DNA and the use of test results to examine a real-life genealogical question.

Read the following article from the archives of the National Genealogical Society Quarterly:

Elizabeth Shown Mills, “Testing the FAN Principle against DNA: Zilphy (Watts) Price Cooksey Cooksey of Georgia and Mississippi (Links to an external site.) [PDF file size 634 KB],” National Genealogical Society Quarterly 102 (June 2014): 129-152.

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 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: How could X-DNA test results have been further utilized in this genealogical analysis? Looking at Figure 2 in the article, would all of the test-takers (the last individual listed in each line) potentially have X-DNA from the common ancestor (Judith) that could be compared? Looking at Figure 3 in the article, would all of the test-takers potentially have X-DNA from the common ancestor (Judith) that could be compared?

Discussion Question #2: Based on all the evidence presented in the article, was mtDNA testing necessary to establish the conclusions in the article, or would the non-DNA evidence presented have been sufficient on its own? Why or why not?

You are encouraged to practice using the Chicago Manual of Style (16th edition; 2010) of formatting and Evidence Explained (3rd edition; 2015) citations within your submission. However, you will not be graded on your ability to use these formatting methods.