Doris, In addition to the "male Y chromosome test" that is "representative" of a male (only) DNA donor, his father, his father's father, his father's father's father, etc., there is also a "female test" (the mtDNA test) that is "representative" of a male or a female donor, his/her mother, his/her mother's mother, his/her mother's mother's mother, etc. (note: each of those women will typically have had a different "birth last name" as well as a different "married last name," so using this test presents an extra "research challenge" for that reason). There is now a third test that anyone (male or female) can take, and it will show DNA "matches" to any "biological cousins" who also took that test....male or female and irrespective of their surnames....who share a common ancestor within about 4 or so "generations back" (this test apparently gets a little unreliable back beyond 4 generations or so). Using this test also presents an extra "research challenge," since you will probably get matches to some surnames that you never knew had any connection to your family (the same could also be true, of course, with the above mtDNA test). As this third test becomes more popular, the "odds" of finding many "matches" will continue to increase. Family Tree DNA calls this last/third test the "Family Finder" test. I used Family Tree DNA (FTDNA) for my Y chromosome test. That is the same company that National Geographic uses for DNA testing, and I can highly recommend them. Bill D. To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-roots.html