Final answer:
Genetic ancestry can be traced by analyzing mitochondrial DNA and Y chromosome haplotypes and shared single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), which help in reconstructing human evolutionary history and determining relationships among ancient populations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Tracing of genetic ancestry can be facilitated by analyzing the major mitochondrial DNA and Y chromosome haplotypes and shared haplotypes of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is particularly useful in tracing maternal ancestry because it is passed down unchanged from mother to offspring, which offers a direct line of inheritance.
The Y chromosome, on the other hand, is passed from father to son and can be used to trace paternal lineage. Genetic variations known as SNPs are locations in the genome where individuals have different DNA bases. Identifying specific mtDNA haplotypes and Y chromosome SNPs can help determine the timeline and relationships of ancient human populations, such as the common maternal ancestor known as Mitochondrial Eve who is believed to have lived around 200,000 years ago in Africa.