Final answer:
Society can operate smoothly without explicit rules for descent.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question is asking if there needs to be rules for descent in order for society to function smoothly. The information provided suggests that formal leadership and codified laws are not necessary in small communities for people to make decisions and live cooperatively. This shows that society can operate smoothly without explicit rules for descent. Therefore, the answer to the question is that there does not have to be rules for descent in order for there to be a smooth operation of society.