Humans have always been fascinated with their ancestors. We celebrate and remember them, we try to find out where we come from, and learn everything about where we come from. Humans will never stop asking about their ancestors, and that is where science comes in to try to answer these questions.
Who Are We?
This is a very difficult question to answer, with the answer depending on your beliefs. When asked this question, most people turn to either religion or science. For religious people, we come from a creator, regardless of what they choose to call that creator. Scientists believe in evolution. A smaller percentage of people who identify as philosophers will tell you that we are our actions and that every action ever taken by either us or our ancestors is what makes us who we are.
The best way to examine who we are is to ask where we come from. The answer to this question lies in science.
The Truth is in Our DNA
Human evolution is a very long process that has taken millions of years and is still happening today. It started with our apelike ancestors developing the ability to walk on two feet. Next, we developed later and more complex brains that allowed us to make tools, build fires and develop a language. This process took place due to mutations. Mutations make changes in our DNA – DNA that has been passed down to us by our ancestors and our parents.
Because of migration from Africa, believed to be the cradle of mankind, different sets of people developed different mutations which led to what we know today as races. To find out exactly where we came from, therefore, we must examine our DNA.
DNA For Genealogy
Genealogy testing is relatively simple; you send out some material that contains your DNA, usually your saliva, and the company you choose sequences your DNA looking for specific markers and mutations. The company then compares your markers and mutations to the general population, and you get results telling you your closest genealogical matches. Remember that we mentioned that different races have different mutations due to the need to adapt to their environment? The truth about who you are and where you come from lies in these mutations.
If you look at companies that offer these services, you might get a deeper understanding of what they do. For example, my heritage review will tell you about the whole process and how it works.
Ancestry DNA tests are all the rage now – just find a company you like.
You Might Not Want to Find Out Where You Come From
Curiosity about your heritage is good. But do you really want to know? For most people, our identities are tied to our families and where we have been told we come from. You might identify as Asian but get results that tell you that you are European. That can devastate your identity and make you feel like you do not belong. What if you and your siblings get different results because one inherited more traits from one parent than the other. What happens next?
Wondering about where we come from is a curiosity that can only be satiated using science. The downside is that you have to think it through and know if this is what you want.
The mysteries of who we are and where we come from might never be solved. There will always be scepticism about the methods scientists use to try to answer these questions. If you believe in religion or science or even philosophy, you have a right to answer these questions based on what you know and understand. That said, science has the best chance of giving us the answers we seek.
Author Bio: HealthStatus teams with authors from other organizations to share interesting ideas, products and new health information to our readers. This article was submitted by Katya Smith, a copywriter/content writer who specializes in Biology . A visionary globe trotter and self-proclaimed goat-loving-yogi. Currently residing in Israel.
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