The persons descended from the common ancestor, whether through males or females are known as?

Cognates (C) refers to descendants of a common ancestor through both male AND female lines. This is a bilateral kinship system where relationships are traced through both parents. Agnates (B) refers specifically to descendants through the male line only (patrilineal). Clans (A) are groups claiming common descent, often through a mythical ancestor. The question specifically asks about descent through 'males or females,' making cognates the correct answer. Note that options C and D are identical, representing a duplicate option issue.