Get a new perspective on your DNA results with AncestryDNA’s new Genetic Traits feature. For just $10, you can discover how traits run in your family and might even come from ethnic origins, with no additional DNA test needed. It’s a deeper look into what makes you YOU, and it’s a fantastic way to engage non-genealogists in your family to be interested in where they come from.
Share Traits This Holiday Season
While the new Genetic Traits feature from AncestryDNA may not be directly applicable to genealogical research or uncovering brick wall ancestors, it’s the ideal tool to interest the non-genealogist in your family. Your relatives might not be interested in cousin-matching and identifying shared ancestors, but they will love discovering what makes them unique. The Genetic Traits tool provides another vehicle for people to discover their origins and connect with their past in a meaningful way. If you’re giving a DNA test kit as a gift this year, consider gifting the Traits feature as well. And have fun exploring your own traits! Order now at Ancestry.com or on Amazon.
New AncestryDNA Feature: Genetic Traits
November 9, 2018: “Ancestry’s long history of innovation has driven our leadership in family history and, more recently, the emerging field of consumer genomics. Today, we’re proud to introduce a fun and innovative way for you to further explore who you are and where you come from – AncestryDNA Traits. Using science and data to power ongoing journeys of discovery, Traits is a new interactive experience that allows you to discover traits and attributes influenced by your DNA. With AncestryDNA Traits, you can explore up to 18 traits and attributes that you’ve inherited from your ancestors, share with family, and may pass down to future generations.”
- Identify 18 traits (full list below)
- Compare your genetic markers to your matches via the AncestryDNA mobile app to see who in your family you share certain traits with.
- Explore an “Around the World” interactive map, where you can see how your traits align with your heritage.
- New customers can upgrade their AncestryDNA kit to include Traits for an additional $10.00 on Ancestry.com and Amazon. Existing customers can purchase the Traits feature for $10.00 through their Ancestry account.
Identifiable Traits
- Finger length
- Cleft chin
- Earlobe type
- Earwax type
- Eye color
- Freckles
- Hair color
- Hair type
- Hair strand thickness
- Iris patterns
- Male hair loss
- Skin pigmentation
- Unibrow
- Bitter taste perception
- Sweet taste perception
- Savory taste perception
- Asparagus metabolite detection
- Cilantro aversion
More About Traits
From Ancestry: “Powered by AncestryDNA, Traits gives you an even deeper look at your personal story through the “Around the World” interactive map. You can explore how your traits align with your heritage and learn whether your green eyes are common in other people with Irish ancestry.
Lacey Cooke
Lacey has been working with Genealogy Gems since the company’s inception in 2007. Now, as the full-time manager of Genealogy Gems, she creates the free weekly newsletter, writes blogs, coordinates live events, and collaborates on new product development. No stranger to working with dead people, Lacey holds a degree in Forensic Anthropology, and is passionate about criminal justice and investigative techniques. She is the proud dog mom of Renly the corgi.
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links and Genealogy Gems will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on these links (at no additional cost to you). Thank you for supporting Genealogy Gems!
As a resident of Canada and an existing AncestryDNA customer, I discovered that the Traits feature for existing customers is currently only available for customers in the US. No indication of when and if it will be available for the rest of the world.
I’m saddened by the results. For example I thought it would say I have hazel eyes. Instead it says darker eyes. For my skin it says light to medium. Not very descriptive for $10.
I wanted to purchase the genetic traits as a gift but it was listed on the account for only a limited number of days. Support was going to send me an email regarding the limited availability and about future availability but I have not received this info. Am I no longer able to purchase this for $9.99 as previously offered and if not, why?
We recommend reaching out to Ancestry.com customer service.
Ordered this kit, and I don’t have anywhere that I can view the traits. I only got a regular dna map…