I am slowly, very slowly, working my way through Diahan Southard’s online class on mitochondrial DNA. Finally, through my own fault, I am in the midst of lesson 2. Diahan has given a “light bulb goes on” explanation of the haplogroup and its association with each mutation from the RSCS standard. My T2f8a1 haplogroup reflects the mutations within my maternal line over time and locations. Each of my mutations is part of the reasons I appear on a separate branch of the tree.

• T – c 13,000 BCE
• T2 – c 9350 BCE
• T2f – c 4000 BCE
• T2f8 – c 3750 BCE
• T2f8a – c 3550 BCE
• T2f8a1 – c 250 CE

These mutations all appear to have taken place in Europe, with the exception of T which is thought to have originated in Egypt.

With a better understanding of the meaning behind this tool, I am looking forward to undstanding the use, if any, in trying to expand my pedigree beyond ggggm, Phebe Curry, who is a dead end.