by Larry D. Smith

from MotherBedford Website

 

Each of us are composed of genetic material derived from our two parents, each of whom were composed of genetic material derived from each of their two parents, each of whom, in turn, were composed of genetic material derived from their respective two parents, and so on. Each of us, therefore, are composed of genetic material derived from numerous direct-line ancestors.

 

The information in genetic material does not break down until after nearly fifteen generations. That means that the genetic material that I am composed of is somewhat the same as that of my great 15-grandparents. It also means that each generation donated certain genetic material to the mixture that eventually became me.

 

The desire to know who my ancestors were, so that I might know from whom I got my blue eyes and my propensity to be bald, is what forms the primary attraction of the study of genealogy.

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