Final answer:
Dual descent refers to tracing an individual's kinship through both the mother's and father's lines. In the United States, most people practice bilateral descent, which involves considering both paternal and maternal ancestors as part of the family.
Step-by-step explanation:
In terms of kinship, dual descent refers to tracing an individual's kinship through both the mother's and father's lines. This means that both paternal and maternal ancestors are considered part of one's family.
For example, in the United States, most people look to both their father's and mother's sides when considering their lineage. This pattern of tracing kinship is called bilateral descent, which is the most common form of descent practiced in the country today.
Therefore, for most individuals in the United States, the type of descent that applies to them is bilateral descent.