How can i found out which country i'm originally from with no record of parents? can you tell from genes?

Question

my mum was adopted & my dad never knew his father. is there any way i can trace back to find where i am from by my genes and/or features such as hair/eye colour? i wouldn't know where to start

Answer 1

No.

To take an example, think of Swiss and German or Swiss and Italian or Swiss and French genes (depending on which part of Switzerland you look at.)

Or, those Normans in Normandy who are really descendants of the Vikings.

A DNA test might tell you which "tribe" in Europe some of your ancestors came from, but Europe is so small and its people have moved back and forth so much it would probably come back "Mixed."

If you are blond and blue-eyed, some of your ancestors were probably from Northern Europe, maybe.

Answer 2

DNA testing should be able to tell you from which family and which country you originate. Google for DNA testing & Genealogy !

Answer 3

By your features, such as hair and eye color..........no.  By genes, yes, with DNA testing.  There are genetic markers that are unique to different areas of the world, so they can tell you what regions your ancestors were from, but they cannot tell you what they looked like or who the specific people you are descended from are.  They can only say that you have genetic markers that indicate your ancestors came from certain places, and possibly a percentage (like 25% Native American, etc.).  And, keep in mind that it is only REGIONS of the world that they tell you, not specific countries.  Geographical maps as to what countries exist changes over the years as the borders change and some split up into smaller countries, and some smaller countries might merge into a bigger one.

Answer 4

National Geographic has a site that'll help:

https://www3.nationalgeographic.com/geno...

Answer 5

I would suggest having a DNA test done; both the mtDNA (your mother's lineage) and the yDNA (your father's lineage).  If you read books such as:

“Mapping Human History: Discovering the Past Through Our Genes” by Steve Olson

"Genealogy 101" by Barbara Renick and

"Trace Your Roots with DNA: Using Genetic Tests to Explore Your Family Tree" by Megan Smolenyak Smolenyak and Ann Turner.

you will get a better understanding how the DNA tests work.  True, it will not be able to tell you names, dates, exact places, but it will show where (in terms of modern countries) your ancestors came from.  Millions of people watch the TV series of the CSI variety; they believe what those shows depict, but when it comes to ancestry, they believe it is hooey-balooey.  Either it works, or it doesn't.  Right now they claim DNA testing (whether for crime solving or genetics) is more than 99% accurate.  There are no written records anywhere that are even 80% accurate!  And for those who don't believe in these DNA tests for ancestors, then why believe in "Out of Africa"?

I used www.familytreedna.com, the oldest and best out there, but there are others.  Also, Family Tree is connected to the National Geographics Genotype Program which traces human migration patterns around the world.  

So, yes, it will give you a pretty good idea where your ancestors came from; hair color, eye color, skin color, etc., really don't give a good idea, as I have found out since starting to trace my family tree.

Don't forget to check your local public library; you should be able to get a hand in the genealogy department and by checking out the books I listed above or similar ones.

Good luck!