My DNA analysis would be easier if:

  • My grandfather’s first cousin was not also his second cousin and his third cousin. It can happen.
  • When I was related to A and B and A and B are related to each other, it meant that A, B, and I shared a common ancestor. It does not.
  • I had no duplicate ancestors closer than 5th great-grandparents.

Multiple relationships can complicate DNA match analysis. Always ask yourself “are there additional biological relationships that I could be missing?” and ” is there another reasonable scenario that fits this information?”

Those whose ancestors lived in urban settings are less likely to have this problem that those who lived in rural areas. Individuals whose ancestors married within their community–whether that was cultural, religious, economic, etc.–are more likely to have these issues.

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  1. Yep. Just one example from my complex family tree: my brother and I are not only siblings but also fifth, seventh, and 11th cousins. All from our maternal line but through three different ancestors.

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