ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Family Tree DNA

A family tree is like a big puzzle, and Family Tree DNA (FTDNA) is a tool to help solve it. Think of it like a treasure hunt to find out where you came from, but instead of a treasure, you find information about your ancestors.

FTDNA lets you send in a sample of your saliva or cheek cells so scientists can look at your DNA. Your DNA is like the blueprint for your body, and it holds a lot of information about your family history. FTDNA compares your DNA with other people who have also sent in samples to find out if you’re related to them.

Imagine you have a toy car that looks like the real thing. Your friend has the same car but in a different color. When you put them side by side, you can see they have a lot in common. It’s the same with DNA. When scientists compare your DNA to others who have sent in samples, they can see if you share common genes, which means you might be related.

The results of your FTDNA test can help you learn about your family history. For example, you might find out that your ancestors came from a different part of the world, or you might discover a long-lost cousin. It’s like putting together a puzzle, one piece at a time, until you see the whole picture of your family tree.