Ethnicity estimation

Ethnicity estimation involves analyzing genetic data—specifically, small variations in DNA—to infer a person’s ancestral origins. By comparing these genetic markers to reference populations worldwide, scientists can identify patterns associated with specific regions or ethnic groups. This process provides insights into one’s heritage, but it is probabilistic and not definitive, often indicating likely ancestral backgrounds rather than precise identities. Ethnicity estimation complements other historical and cultural information to give a broader understanding of a person's genetic heritage.