Shirley, I maybe misinterpreting your question, if so, let me know. It sounds like you're wondering if the DNA tests identify certain traits specific to Native Americans by "markers" that show up in DNA. To the best of my knowledge, the tests will supposedly identify connections to other family members by "markers" that they have in common. There's no way, from the DNA tests that they're doing, to tell you what genetic traits those "markers" are associated with. That is something that the Genome Project would be more likely to be involved with. As for finding out if you have NA ancestors, the only way they could do that is by finding that your DNA has "markers" in common with a known NA family. But, it won't tell you what those "markers" represent in physical traits. Jan G. ----Original Message Follows---- From: "bobert" <bobert@i-1.net> Reply-To: BLACKSHEEP-CHAT-L@rootsweb.com To: BLACKSHEEP-CHAT-L@rootsweb.com Subject: [BSChat] DNA TESTING Date: Fri, 17 May 2002 13:16:55 -0700 Hi, Sheepers! Certain groups of people and some families are very interested in participating in DNA testing. This line of inquiry seems to be going on in several surname lists/digests. Any of you know how a DNA test determines if one has Native American ancestors? What is found in the blood sample that is so different from other ethnic groups or racial bloodlines - is there a certain 'marker' that is present? Very curious! Shirley: bobert@i-1.net _________________________________________________________________ Send and receive Hotmail on your mobile device: http://mobile.msn.com