Final answer:
Patrilineal descent is a system where lineage is traced through male ancestors. It is common in some societies and influences practices such as inheritance and family surnames. Both women and men derive their patrilineal lineage from their fathers, and this descent passes through the male children.
Step-by-step explanation:
Patrilineal descent is a system of tracing an individual's lineage solely through the male ancestors. This means that both males and females determine their ancestry through the male line, typically including the father, paternal grandfather, and so on. Women maintain the patrilineal descent of their fathers and men pass it on to their children. This form of descent is part of a wider category known as unilateral descent, which also includes matrilineal (following the mother's line) and ambilineal (following either the father's or mother's line, depending on the situation) descent patterns.
It's interesting to note that patrilineal descent influences societal norms and practices such as inheritance and family name continuance. In patrilineal societies, the family surname is traditionally carried on only by males, and this often bestows upon them the status of permanent family membership. Contrastingly, females are typically seen as temporary members before they marry and join their husband's family. This dynamic is observed in various cultures, including some rural areas of China and India. Even in the U.S., some aspects of patrilineal descent are present, as most children inherit their father's surname.