Final answer:
Ambilineal descent allows individuals to choose either matrilineal or patrilineal descent. Bilateral descent traces kinship through both the mother's and father's lines.
Step-by-step explanation:
In ambilineal descent, individuals can choose to trace descent either matrilineally or patrilineally. This form of descent is also known as the 'Burger King' approach. Ambilineal descent is different from unilineal descent, as families have the flexibility to choose their descent type based on different opportunities presented by either the mother's or father's family.
In bilateral descent, an individual's kinship is traced through both the mother's and father's lines. This is the most common form of descent practiced in the United States today.