Introduction
The Paternal Ancestry report provides a wealth of genealogical information provided by your group members on the Genealogy Page of their Account Settings. This page is not based on the genetic data from test takers, but rather from their own genealogy. This can help tremendously in making genetic connections by finding commonalities in locations and names of paternal ancestors. This information can be found in other places in GAP, match lists, and on the member page, but this is a centralized one-stop shop for all pertinent information. From this page you can even view the member’s tree (if they have provided one) by clicking on the link in the Tree column by their name.
Caveats
One important point to note is that test takers often confuse the direct paternal line with the broader paternal side. When filling out the “Most Distant Known Paternal Ancestor,” some individuals may automatically think of the furthest ancestor on their maternal side, which could be someone other than their direct maternal ancestor (e.g., their mother’s mother’s father). This can result in misleading information for your research goals.
Additionally, it's not uncommon for test takers to enter the name or location of an ancestor based on unverified family stories. If generations of family lore suggest that a person’s ancestor, whether direct or not, is from a particular country, it is reasonable that they may include that information without verification.
These scenarios may not always occur, and such mistakes are not necessarily common. However, they can provide valuable clues about connections between group members and their paternal ancestors. As with any genealogical research, it’s wise to approach unverified family history with caution. If you encounter information that seems inconsistent with other evidence or your own theories, consider reaching out to the group member for clarification. You can email them directly from this page by clicking the email icon next to their name or by checking the Member Information page.