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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. |
