Question

The term clan, a term often misunderstood or misapplied in popular usage, can be described by all except which one of the following?

A) often formed by related lineages
B) the common clan ancestor is known as the totem
C) may have political and religious functions
D) with regard to marriage, clans are generally exogamous
E) clan members can trace their relationship to the ancestor through known genealogical links

Answer 1

The incorrect statement about clans is that members can trace their relationship to a common ancestor through known genealogical links, as clans often have a mythical or unremembered ancestor.

Step-by-step explanation:

The term clan is often misunderstood or misapplied in popular usage. A clan can be described by all except one of the following statements:

1. Clans are often formed by related lineages.
2. The common clan ancestor is known as the totem.
3. Clans may have political and religious functions.
4. With regard to marriage, clans are generally exogamous.
5. Clan members can trace their relationship to the ancestor through known genealogical links.

The incorrect statement is E) clan members can trace their relationship to the ancestor through known genealogical links. In reality, clans usually trace their descent from a common ancestor who is either not remembered or possibly mythological, rather than through known genealogical links.