Are 4Th Cousins Truly Related? Exploring Genetic Connections

What does it mean to be a 4th cousin, and how closely are you related to them? A 4th cousin is someone with whom you share a common set of ancestors known as great-great-great grandparents. This means that both you and your 4th cousin can trace your family trees back to the same generation of great-great-great grandparents. However, it’s important to note that you might share a complete set of great-great-great grandparents, meaning all of them are the same on both sides of your family, or you could have just one great-great-great grandparent in common. In either case, a 4th cousin is a relative who is further removed in terms of ancestry compared to closer relatives like siblings or first cousins.

Is it acceptable to marry a fourth cousin? Absolutely! When considering marriage with a fourth cousin, it’s essential to understand the genetic relationship. Third cousins share approximately 0.78% of their genes, and fourth cousins share even fewer, around 0.20%. These genetic connections are quite distant, and there are no biological barriers preventing such unions. Moreover, it’s important to note that marrying third or fourth cousins is legally permissible in virtually all jurisdictions. In fact, in many places, even first cousins can legally marry. So, marrying a fourth cousin is well within legal and genetic boundaries.

Is it possible to have children with your fourth cousin? Researchers have explored this question and found that marrying third and fourth cousins may offer certain advantages when it comes to reproduction. This is because these distant cousins strike a balance between close relatives, like first cousins, who may face increased risks of inbreeding problems, and couples who are extremely distantly related, potentially encountering genetic incompatibilities. This research suggests that marrying third or fourth cousins might provide an optimal middle ground for reproductive success. (Source: Research findings, February 7, 2008)