Lineages refer to the lines of descent or ancestry that trace the heritage of individuals, families, or groups. They help us understand how traits, traditions, and cultural practices are passed down through generations. For example, a family tree can illustrate the ancestors of a person, showing connections to grandparents, great-grandparents, and beyond. In a broader context, lineages can also apply to species in biology, where they represent the evolutionary paths that lead to different organisms. This concept helps scientists study how species adapt and change over time, revealing the connections between plants, animals, and their common ancestors.