Final answer:
The leader of a ranked society in anthropology is often called a chief or a king, and they hold formal, hereditary positions of leadership over communities or chiefdoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
In anthropology, the leader of a ranked society is often called a chief or king. These terms refer to individuals who hold formal, inherited positions of leadership within their communities. A chief typically leads a chiefdom, which may have evolved from a single community to encompass multiple towns and villages. Over time, their leadership role may become hereditary, cementing their family as a royal lineage. Chiefs have various forms of power including economic, political, religious, and military, allowing them to exercise authority, make decisions, and settle disputes effectively. In some societies, these leaders are supported by a council of elders and must consult them in community matters. In other societies, informal positions like the big man exist, which are attained through personal achievement rather than inheritance.