(How) Can I use Existing Time Machine On New Mac Without Erasing Original TM Backups?

I just got through doing a clean install from Mavericks to Yosemite and now I'm trying to attach and recognize the original Time Machine Drive (TMD)
I chose to install as a new computer and did not choose a Time Machine backup option because the original TMD was not attached at the time of installation.
Upon arriving at the desktop and connecting my original TMD, I was able to see it in finder but Time Machine did not automatically accept it.
I am able to see the disk in Time Machine but it doesn't tell me that its got data on it .
HERE'S THE ANXIOUS MOMENT:  If I select TMD, which is the original, will it overwrite all that orignal information, or will it continue adding to it?
I've read under different parts of the forum that if you go through this process during the original setup and the Time Machine drive is attached to the computer then you will be prompted to inherit the old Time Machine. Since I didn't have the drive attached, I didn't see that.
Now back to desktop and into the Time Machine utility:  This option to inherit doesn't seem to exist or is obvious.  The only option after selecting the drive in Time Machine  is "Use Disk".  If I click this, will it erase my original data or will it ask to inherit the drive?  It's not very clear what will happen after I click "Use Disk".
Thanks so much to anyone who can help, Jeff

Thanks for the link. I went there but didn't find any information on how to inherit the backup history.  The link says "If you’re replacing an old Mac and want the new Mac to use the backups from the old one, click Inherit Backup."  At what point in the migration process does it ask "to specify whether you (I) want a new Mac to inherit a backup"? It seems like I got quite a few levels into Migration assistant and the last click that I did not click seemed like it was good to start the process without telling me anything about inheriting anything.
Any suggestions or did I not go far enough?
From Apple Website below
OS X Yosemite: If you want a new Mac to “inherit” your backup history
You can move the backup history from one Mac to another, but after the new Mac “inherits” the backup history, you can’t use the backup history on the original Mac.
You’re asked to specify whether you want a new Mac to inherit a backup if you do any of the following:
Use Migration Assistant to transfer your settings from an old Mac to a new one.
Use Migration Assistant to transfer your settings from a Time Machine backup of an old Mac to a new one.
Clone the disk you use to start your Mac, or physically move it from an old Mac to a new Mac.
Replace your computer’s main board.
If you’re replacing an old Mac and want the new Mac to use the backups from the old one, click Inherit Backup.
If you plan to continue to use your old Mac, click Create New Backup to preserve the backup history and start separate backups for the new Mac.
Connect a new backup disk to your Mac 
Transfer your info from a PC
Last Modified: Nov 18, 2014

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