Final answer:
The three major types of unilineal descent are patrilineal descent, matrilineal descent, and ambilineal descent. Patrilineal descent follows the father's line only, matrilineal descent follows the mother's side only, and ambilineal descent allows families to choose either the father's or the mother's line depending on the situation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The three major types of unilineal descent are patrilineal descent, which follows the father's line only; matrilineal descent, which follows the mother's side only; and ambilineal descent, which follows either the father's or the mother's side only, depending on the situation.
In patrilineal societies like those in rural China and India, only males carry on the family surname, giving them permanent family membership, while females are seen as temporary members. U.S. society assumes some aspects of patrilineal descent, with most children assuming their father's last name.
On the other hand, matrilineal descent focuses on the mother's side, with property, status, and clan affiliation passed through the female line. It is relatively common among indigenous peoples of North America. Ambilineal descent allows families to choose either the father's or the mother's line and is practiced by diverse families that do not follow a single type of descent reckoning.