Nature versus Nurture: Investigating Biological and Adoptive Family Roots

Once you discover an adoption, once it becomes evident which family you should continue tracking – biological or adoptive? In her book Unpuzzling Your Past 4th edition published by Betterway Books Emily Anne Croom suggests tracing biological line as your true genealogy but there’s no right or wrong practice; simply do what makes you (in conjunction with family members) comfortable.

What are your research goals? If your objective is to record family health history, determine ethnic composition or join a lineage society, you will likely require conducting biological line research. However, some researchers opt for adoptive family research because there may be closer emotional bonds or information being more readily available – although you could always research both at once.

Croom recommends recording in both your research notes and pedigree charts whether an ancestor belongs to a biological, adoptive, stepfamily lineage.

Prepare yourself for potentially disturbing discoveries when conducting your investigation. Be sensitive to other family members and refrain from disclosing information that identifies living individuals.