If a clan's apical ancestor is nonhuman, it is called a totem.

In kinship and descent, if the apical ancestor of a clan is nonhuman, it is called a totem.

As is also the case for all other ethnic groups of the region, tracing their lineage to an apical ancestor is crucial to the Tanolis' sense of identity.

Kashmiri lineage as a descent group demonstrate a common descent from an apical ancestor.

Even if lineage details are unknown, clan members may be organized around a founding member or apical ancestor.

A lineage is a unilineal descent group that can demonstrate their common descent from a known apical ancestor.

A clan is generally a descent group claiming common descent from an apical ancestor.

Non-human apical ancestors are called totems.

A phratry is a descent group composed of two or more clans each of whose apical ancestors are descended from a further common ancestor.

The apical ancestor was a warlord and the phara was named after him.