A genetic comparison examining shared DNA between individuals can determine the likelihood of them sharing one parent. For example, such an analysis could reveal a 25% shared DNA, suggesting a half-sibling relationship, compared to the 50% shared between full siblings. Different inheritance patterns can influence these percentages, adding complexity to interpretation.
Confirming biological relationships through genetic analysis provides legal and emotional resolution for inheritance, medical history inquiries, and genealogical research. Historically, establishing such connections relied on circumstantial evidence and family narratives. Advancements in genetic testing now offer conclusive evidence, enhancing accuracy and addressing previously unanswerable questions about familial ties.