Hi Everybody,
I would just like to recommend that anyone considering submitting a DNA sample to realise how little the DNA actually changes over the generations. According to FamilyTreeDNA FAQ, the probability that 2 individuals who submit a 12 marker test and match ALL 12 markers is 50% they share a common ancestor within 7 generations,90% they share a common ancestor within 23 generations and 95% they share a common ancestor within 29 generations. How many people can trace back their family for 23 generations? Compare this with the 37 marker test. If 2 individuals match all 37 markers, the probabilities are 50% they share a common ancestor within 2 generations,90% they share a common ancestor within 5 generations, and 95% they share a common ancestor within 7 generations. So even tho the 37 marker test is more expensive, if you hope to actually connect to someone else thru these tests I would recommend you get the better test. You can got to http://www.familytreedna.com/faq2.html and read up on the ststistics.
Bernie