Final answer:
Ambilineal descent is a type of unilateral descent where an individual's kinship is traced through a single gendered line, either the mother's or the father's. Families choose either the mother's or the father's descent line based on the different opportunities presented by either side. This practice allows for diverse family structures.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ambilineal descent is a type of unilateral descent where an individual's kinship is traced through a single gendered line, either the mother's or the father's. However, each family chooses either the mother's or the father's descent line. This type of descent is practiced in societies where families have different opportunities presented by either the mother's or father's family. It is important to note that ambilineal descent allows for diverse family structures and does not follow a single type of descent reckoning.