From what I understand of that test, (and I admit I’m no geneticist,) it uses the mitochondrial RNA to trace maternal ancestry only, or if you’re a guy it can also use the Y chromosome to trace paternal ancestry. What that means is, if the branch of the family you’re trying to trace crossed genders at any point, (such as a maternal grandfather, or a paternal grandmother) it won’t show on the test. The DNA is still there, but it’s mixed together and can’t be sorted out from the “background” as easily, whereas the mitochondrial RNA always comes from the mother, and the Y chromosome always comes from the father.
That’s the hobby-scientist’s understanding of it, anyway. Those with more experience are welcome to correct me on this.
I’ll bet she has some male relatives too, and they could be tested!
Yes, Ellendra, that’s my understanding of it also. Basically they could tell the origins of Warren’s mother’s maternal line, going back into pre-surname times.
FTDNA has a test called Family Finder now. It isn’t mitochondrial DNA or Y-Chromosome. I think it can identify relatives within very recent generations. Not sure what that would elucidate for Warren.