Types of Ancestry
You’re explaining ancestry to a high school class. How would you distinguish genealogical ancestry from genetic ancestry?
Genealogical ancestry is your family tree of named ancestors, while genetic ancestry is the DNA segments you actually inherit.
You’re presenting at a museum exhibit. How would you use ancient DNA to explain human migration?
Ancient DNA shows that agriculture spread through large-scale migrations, like Anatolian farmers moving into Europe.
You’re advising medical students. Why is race a poor proxy for genetics?
Race is a social construct, while genetic ancestry provides precise biological information; using race risks reinforcing stereotypes.
You’re briefing city planners. How would you explain environmental racism in zoning decisions?
Marginalized communities are often targeted for hazardous industry siting, leading to disproportionate exposure to toxins.
You’re designing a climate literacy workshop. How do you frame equity in adaptation strategies?
Stress the need for Indigenous-led approaches and culturally grounded solutions to ensure fair climate resilience.
A student asks why not all ancestors contribute DNA. How do you explain this?
Because of recombination, many genealogical ancestors don’t pass down genetic material, so genetic ancestry is narrower than genealogical ancestry.
A visitor asks how Neanderthal DNA affects modern humans. What do you say?
Neanderthal and Denisovan admixture contributed to traits like immunity and altitude adaptation in modern populations.
A policymaker asks how ancestry can improve health equity. How do you respond?
Genetic ancestry can inform drug response and disease risk more accurately than race categories, leading to better medical care.
A climate justice group asks how climate change impacts marginalized communities differently. What do you highlight?
Black, Indigenous, and low-income communities face greater risks from heat islands, flooding, and displacement.
A policymaker asks why environmental racism is a generational issue. How do you explain?
Because toxic exposure and climate vulnerability compound over time, producing intergenerational health and economic inequities.