The key difference between Family Tree DNA and Ancestry DNA depends on the types of DNA tests they offer. Family tree DNA offers both paternal and maternal ancestry as well as autosomal ancestry DNA tests, while Ancestry DNA offers only paternal and maternal ancestry DNA tests.
Family Tree DNA and Ancestry DNA are two companies that offer DNA testing to provide ancestry solutions. They collectively perform an array of tests to confirm the identity of an individual and provide information regarding his or her familial linkages.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Family Tree DNA
3. What is Ancestry DNA
4. Similarities Between Family Tree DNA and Ancestry DNA
5. Side by Side Comparison – Family Tree DNA vs Ancestry DNA in Tabular Form
6. Summary
What is Family Tree DNA?
Family Tree DNA is a commercial company that offers a wide array of DNA tests to confirm the ancestry of an individual. They perform tests that assess maternal and paternal ancestry as well as autosomal ancestry. Therefore, they perform various tests as mentioned below;
- Mitochondrial DNA tests – maternal DNA testing.
- Y chromosomal DNA tests – paternal DNA testing.
- Autosomal DNA tests – to assess the autosomal ancestry.
They use a mouth swab as the source for DNA extraction. Moreover, they currently have a database of about 500,000 samples. They study the test sample based on various gene markers. Family tree DNA considers large populations in their analysis. However, the number of geographical areas covered with respect to ancestry DNA is less (around 22 geographical areas only).
Figure 01: Family Tree DNA
Moreover, in the Family tree DNA test databases, the uploading of raw data takes place. However, this chain of companies does not provide facilities for research participation.
What is Ancestry DNA?
Ancestry DNA is a widely distributed company designated for ancestry DNA testing. Thus, they mainly consider paternal and maternal testing. Therefore, they decide the genetic lineages of an individual in terms of his or her maternal and paternal characteristics. They use saliva as the source for DNA extraction. By now, they have a database of about 7,000,000 samples. Due to its wide geographic distribution, they also analyze the ancestry in relation to geographic populations.
Figure 02: Ancestry DNA
Ancestry DNA does not upload the raw data into their databases. Thus, they process data before uploading. Ancestry DNA also provides opportunities for research. Therefore, there are greater carrier options in Ancestry DNA.
What are the Similarities Between Family Tree DNA and Ancestry DNA?
- Family Tree DNA and Ancestry DNA are two commercial companies involved in DNA testing.
- They function over a vast geographic area.
- Both perform tests to infer maternal and paternal ancestry.
- They use a wide array of molecular biological techniques to perform the ancestry tests.
- Both have the ability to perform cousin matches among the ancestry.
What is the Difference Between Family Tree DNA and Ancestry DNA?
Family Tree DNA and Ancestry DNA are two companies that allow their facilities for DNA testing. Family Tree DNA carries out tests for paternal, maternal and autosomal DNA ancestries, whereas Ancestry DNA focuses only on paternal and maternal DNA testing. So, this is the key difference between Family Tree DNA and Ancestry DNA. Moreover, Family Tree DNA does not provide research facilities, while Ancestry DNA provides opportunities for research.
The below infographic summarizes the difference between Family Tree DNA and Ancestry DNA, comparatively.
Summary – Family Tree DNA vs Ancestry DNA
Family Tree DNA and Ancestry DNA are among the top DNA analyzers in the world. They are worldwide companies that facilitate DNA testing. In summary, the key difference between Family Tree DNA and Ancestry DNA depends on the type of tests they perform. Family tree DNA performs maternal, paternal and autosomal DNA tests, whereas family tree DNA only performs paternal and maternal DNA tests. They also differ in worldwide distribution. In that regards, the Family Tree DNA is less distributed in comparison to Ancestry DNA, which has larger worldwide coverage.
Reference:
1. “AncestryDNA VS Family Tree DNA.” Top 10 DNA Tests, 4 Oct. 2018, Available here.
Image Courtesy:
1. “FamilyTreeDNA (logo)” By Source (Fair use) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “BAncestry logo 2016” y Source (WP:NFCC#4) (Fair use) via Commons Wikimedia