Question

In which of the following descent systems would an individual potentially have the most collateral descendents?

a) unilineal
b) bilineal
c) bilateral

Answer 1

Bilateral descent would potentially have the most collateral descendants for an individual.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the context of the question, the descent system with the potential for the most collateral descendants would be bilateral descent. Bilateral descent traces an individual's kinship through both the mother's and father's lines. This is the most common form of descent practiced in the United States today, where individuals can potentially have collateral descendants from both sides of their family. This contrasts with the unilineal and ambilineal systems, which limit descent and, consequently, the number of collateral relatives to either the maternal or the paternal line.