Final answer:
The term 'genetic father' refers to a child's biological father, whereas 'pater' is used by anthropologists to denote a child's socially recognized father, indicating the multifaceted nature of fatherhood in different societies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term genetic father refers to the biological father of a child, while pater is the term anthropologists use to identify ego's socially recognized father. In anthropological terms, kinship relationships can often extend beyond the biological to include social aspects of parenting and family structure. This is evident in various cultures where social fathers (pater), rather than biological fathers (genus), fulfill the role of fatherhood by taking on the responsibilities and societal roles typically associated with being a father. The involvement and recognition of fathers in different capacities illustrate how the role of fatherhood transcends mere genetics, encompassing social, emotional, and cultural dimensions.