Here's why:
* Limited evidence: We lack direct written records of Proto-Uralic, making reconstruction heavily reliant on comparing modern languages.
* Deep time: The Proto-Uralic language is estimated to have existed around 4,000-6,000 years ago, meaning significant changes have occurred over time.
That said, here are the two branches generally considered direct descendants of Proto-Uralic:
1. Ugric: Includes Hungarian, Khanty, and Mansi.
2. Finnic: Includes Finnish, Estonian, and Sami languages.
Important Note: Other language families, like the Samoyedic, are often grouped alongside Ugric and Finnic as part of the "Uralic" family. However, their direct relationship to Proto-Uralic is still debated.
So, while those two are considered the most direct descendants, the overall relationship between Proto-Uralic and its modern descendants is still a subject of ongoing research.