Question

in ________ systems, lineage and inheritance are traced through the male line, meaning property and family names are passed down from father to son.

unilineal
patrilineal
bilateral
matrilineal

Explanation:

Analyze the question stem

The question asks for the system where lineage and inheritance are traced through the male line, passing property and family names from father to son.

Evaluate the options

• unilineal: Tracing descent through only one line (either male or female), which is too broad.
• patrilineal: Specifically tracing descent and inheritance through the male line (father to son).
• bilateral: Tracing descent through both the mother's and father's lines.
• matrilineal: Tracing descent and inheritance through the female line (mother to daughter).

Determine the correct answer

The term that specifically denotes tracing through the male line is "patrilineal".

Answer:

• unilineal
• patrilineal (Correct answer)
• bilateral
• matrilineal