Family DNA Signatures

As we gather DNA samples from various surnames we quickly identify family lines based on their DNA pattern. This is a Family DNA Signature. It identifies this family from all other family lines.

Hard DNA Signatures
Soft DNA Signatures

DNA Signatures are characterized not only by their haplogroup, but by their tendency to shift markers. DNA patterns that seldom shift over time are called hard DNA Signatures. DNA patterns that shift (or mutate) rapidly over time are called Soft DNA Signatures.

An example of a Hard DNA Signature are the Norton family of Marion, SC. Below is a link to their research page. With 9 DNA tests there are no shifted markers. This is an extremely stable DNA Signature.

http://www.nortonfamily.net/sc-marion-horry-norton.htm


An example of a Soft DNA Signature are the Fancher family. Below is a link to their research page. Every DNA test shows a shift in the markers. However we are able to identify a DNA Signature by studying which markers are moving vs the pedigree line.

http://www.nortonfamily.net/fancher#results

Nobody knows why some DNA Signatures shift and others don't. Some of the questions that need exploring is whether Soft DNA Signatures favor a particular haplogroup.

Researchers looking into deep history lump the mutation rates of all DNA markers together to determine ages and relationships. This seems to be iffy research when some family lines clearly do not mutate very often while others mutate very rapidly. It has to throw off the results.