The terms genealogy and family tree are used interchangeably in the vast field of ancestor research. As they both represent family relationships and seeking information about them, what is the difference?
This article draws the difference between a family tree and genealogy with a complete guide, identifies the best DNA tests, and explains how to draw a family tree.
Defining the terms: Family tree and Genealogy
Before we go in-depth, it is important to have a clear idea about what each of these terms means.
Family Tree
A family tree is a chart that represents family relationships in a conventional structure of a tree. These are usually used in family research, medicine, or social work.
Usually, a family tree features the oldest generations at the top of the tree and the younger generations at the bottom of the tree. Family trees can be different in format. Some common formats of drawing a tree include ahnentafel and a fan chart.
An Ahnentafel lists a person’s direct ancestors in the following ascent through numbers:
- The subject
- Father
- Mother
- Paternal grandfather and grandmother
- Maternal grandfather and grandmother
In this scheme, apart from the subject, who can be either a male or female, the even-numbered persons are male and the odd ones are female.
On the other hand, a fan chart is a half-circle chart that consists of concentric rings. The inner circle represents the subject, the second circle represents the parents (it is divided into two), and the third circle is divided into four as it represents the grandparents of the paternal and maternal sides. They represent the paternal and maternal ancestors of the subject.
Genealogy
Genealogy is a field of study of a family, its history, and tracing its lineage. To conduct this study, the researchers use oral interviews, genetic analysis, and historical and other records to obtain information about a family.
The reasons that lead to conducting genealogical research might include the following:
- Personal or medical interest
- Community
- Religious obligations
- Forensic or legal research
- To establish identity
- Discrimination or persecution
The best test for family tree and genealogy
In 2022, the best DNA tests to find out ancestry include ethnicity results and DNA matches. Taking a DNA test can provide insight into your heritage and reveal your genetic family history on both sides of your family, typically spanning at least 4-6 past generations. The most common type of DNA test is the autosomal DNA test, which can help you uncover more about your background and build meaningful connections with your relatives. If you’re interested in learning more, check out our Top 8 Romance Tips for Older Couples that Works, where we discuss how DNA testing can strengthen relationships and bring couples closer together.
How to use DNA testing in my family history?
DNA tests reveal all about you and your family. The results come in two sections: 1. your ethnic background and 2. a list of all your DNA matches. You can bring this information to use in the following ways:
- To reconnect with your relatives
- Make a family tree by identifying the unknown ancestors
- Better understand your origin and migrations with the help of ethnicity results
Taking a DNA test is easier than you might think. You can use any ancestry DNA kit to find out. These kits have been here for a while now. Here are some suggested kits to find out your ancestry family tree and genealogy.
Ancestry DNA
If you’re curious about your family history and how it shapes your lifestyle, look no further than AncestryDNA. This DNA testing kit stands out from other services by presenting results in a clear and concise manner. It’s a great tool for those who want to explore their biological connections with relatives, whether it’s their parents or cousins. AncestryDNA boasts a database of over 30 million customers, which increases the likelihood of successful matches.
The only drawback of this service is that it doesn’t track your paternal or maternal lifestyle heritage independently. Nonetheless, if you’re interested in exploring your family’s lifestyle history, AncestryDNA is a top choice.
23andMe
23andMe is considered an accurate AncestryDNA. Moreover, it gives you the migration paths for both maternal and paternal lineage. However, the database available is less than that of AncestryDNA. It has a DNA database of 12 million customers.
23andMe offers a very good site design, making it easier to navigate myriad charts, documents, and reports.
Family Tree DNA
Family Tree DNA is good to trace your ethnic origins. It is best known for the optional add-ons it provides. Compared to the competitors, the comprehensive suite of testing options makes it shine. If you are concerned about privacy, know that this testing service voluntarily provides your data to law enforcement.
How to make a family tree chart?
A family tree diagram makes it easier to keep a record of people, places, and events that contribute to your family. Know that drawing a family tree can be as simple or as complicated, depending upon how you want it to turn out. Here is how to create a family tree:
Get started
Before you start drawing a family tree, you must do some mental work. Planning is the first step to a successful family tree. In this case, ask yourself the following questions:
- How far do you ideally want to trace back?
- Is there anybody in the family who can give you any information about this?
- What is the type of information, including marriages, births, or deaths do you want to add in?
Gather information about the family
Draw a draft
Add information to each leaf
You are done with your chart!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between family tree and genealogy?
Is there any software to draw a family tree?
