What Are Ancestors?

Grandparents are the ancestors of children.

The word "ancestors" usually refers to family members who gave birth to you (parents) or gave birth to your parents, their parents and so on, as far back in human history as possible. An ancestor may also be a reference to forefathers in the plant and animal worlds, and can even be used to refer to technology.

Family Ancestors

Your direct ancestors are your parents. Their parents are also your ancestors, and so on, as far back as can be recorded in your family tree. The study of family trees and the search for your ancestors is called genealogy. Some ways to search for your ancestors are to ask your older relatives; check county records, old phone books and old obituaries; or use a professional service or website that specializes in genealogy.

Ancestors in the Plant and Animal Kingdom

The term "ancestor" in reference to plants and animals is used to refer to ancient or no-longer-existing species or types which came before modern, similar species. For example, the woolly mammoth was an ancestor of the modern elephant.

Ancestors of Similarity

Pythagoras was a forefather to modern math.

The term "ancestor" is also used to describe things and people that were predecessors to a similar thing or similar person. For instance, a steam engine is an ancestor of modern locomotives. Pythagorean ideas are the ancestors of modern math and music.

Ancestors of Other Species

Predecessors of modern life forms are sometimes described as ancestors as well. For instance, some scientists believe apelike creatures are the ancestors of humans, or that single-celled organisms are the ancestors of mammals.

References

• Dictionary Reference: Define Ancestor

Resources

• Ancestor.com
• Ancestry.com