This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: jantrevor Surnames: Griffin Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/surnames.griffin/6658.1.1.2.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: We had our Griffin line yDNA tested at FamilyTreeDNA. Our test results are part of the Griffin surname project, so if we match, you can review the results on their test results page: http://www.griffith.dna.rdgriffith.com/results.aspx. Your kit number should be on the page next to the folks you match most closely. If you tested through FamilyTreeDNA and joined the surname project, you should be automatically notified if you matched. So far our family has 1 exact 25-marker match to a Griffin family from Arkansas which is where the first wave of Native Americans were removed to but we have been unable to discern our common ancestor. We also have 1 close match to a person who states he is 100% Native American but would release no further information to us (very disapointing.. O well). I have also done autosomal DNA testing which is quite different. It looks at what you got genetically from all your ancestors rather than just at the male paternal line. I tested both through DNA Tribes (www.dnatribes.com)and DNA consultants (www.dnaconsultants.com) because I wanted to compare results from different testing companies. These tests tell you which populations on earth are currently most similar to you and which ones were most likely your ancestor's ancient origins based on movement of those same populations over time. The results of these tests are very intriguing and can be overwhelming at first if they are not what you expect. Understanding them requires learning/research more about history/human migration/wars/conquests/slave trades and the like but is a whole other fascinating can of worms to delve into. Finally, I did admixture testing which gives you a range of what racial ethnicities are dominant in you (Euro, African, East Asian, Indigenous American (Native American). These tests look at what are called Ancestry Information Markers (AIM) Oh...and I did testing through 23andMe.com for the medical component of what genetic traits and disease risks I inherited. Also interesting...but not surprising. I already knew some of it. Warning: DNA testing is an addictive/slightly expensive habit :). But was extremely helpful in understanding the larger picture and confirming some of my suspicions/family legends about Native American and other ancestry. Hope this is helpful... Happy searching. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.