In genetics and genealogy, the term Most Recent Common Ancestor (MRCA) refers to the most recent individual from whom two or more people are descended. This individual may be a single person or a group of people who share a common ancestor within a particular genealogical timeframe. The concept of MRCA is important in tracing the ancestry of individuals and understanding the genetic relationships between different populations.
The MRCA is usually identified through genealogical research, genetic analysis, or a combination of the two. Genealogical research involves tracing a person's family tree back as far as possible, identifying ancestors, and noting where different branches of the family tree intersect. Genetic analysis, on the other hand, involves taking a DNA test and comparing DNA samples from different individuals and identifying similarities and differences in the genetic code. By analyzing the patterns of similarity, geneticists can estimate the time frame within which two individuals share an MRCA.
The MRCA of any two individuals may be a distant ancestor who lived hundreds or even thousands of years ago, or it may be a more recent ancestor who lived within the last few generations. The MRCA of two individuals who are cousins may be a grandparent or great-grandparent who lived within the last century.
Explore more about most recent common ancestors
- The MyHeritage DNA test
- cM Explainer™: a free feature on MyHeritage that estimates relationships between DNA matches based on shared DNA and the ages of the individuals
- Identifying Common Ancestors with DNA, webinar with Shahar Tenenbaum on the MyHeritage Knowledge Base
- AutoClusters for DNA Matches: article on the MyHeritage Knowledge Base about how to use MyHeritage's AutoClusters feature to identify MRCAs among DNA clusters