what is the difference between 2nd cousin and 1st cousin once removed

Question

what is the difference between 2nd cousin and 1st cousin once removed

In: Biology

Answer 1

1st/2nd/3rd/etc. are counting back to a common ancestor, starting with your grandparent. If you share a grandparent, you’re first cousins. Each great adds a number, so # of greats + 1 that you both share.

“Removed* is that cousin’s children. My second cousin’s child is my second cousin once removed. Their grandchild is my second cousin twice removed and so on.

So, to answer you directly: you and your second cousin share a great grandparent. Your grandparent is your first cousin once removed’s *great* grandparent.