Forensic Anthropology

Tom, Rachel, KatherineForensic Anthropology

Introduction

The main bones were interested in:*Cranium/Skull*Pelvis*Tibia*Femur*Humerus What Can We Learn?Determination of Sex:-Pelvis-SkullDetermination of Race:-SkullApproximate Age:-Growth of long bonesApproximate Stature:-Length of long bonesDetermination of SexThe Pelvis is the best area to study sex-Females have wider sub pubic angles for giving birth

Determination of SexThe Cranium/Skull is also very helpful in determining sex- Mens chins are significantly more square and their ridges and crests are more pronounced

Determination of RaceForensic Anthropologists place bones in three races: Caucasian, Asian and African Its very difficult to determine race because many people are biracial and also not all individuals have skeletal traits that are consistent w/ their raceThe nasal index (the ratio of the width to the height of the nose multiplied by 100), nasal spine, prognathism (extended lower jaw), and the shape of the eye orbits all help determine race

Determination of RaceCaucasian-Nasal index: .53-Nasal Spine: Very small spine-Prognathism:Prognathic-Eye orbitals: Rectangular or square

Determination of AgeWe use teeth, bone fusion, the hardness, wear and tear, and any damages to determine age

Determination of Age0-5: teeth are best6-25: fusion starts and ends at about 2525-40 bones are very hard40+: wear and tear on bones

Determination of StatureOur long bone length (femur, tibia, humerus) is proportional to heightFormula for height: 2.89(humerus length)+78.10 (all in cm)Example: If the humerus length=30.8, their height would be determined by 2.89(30.8)+78.10 cmMiscellaneous InformationWe can find out how they died based on any trauma (gunshots to head, etc.)Any evidence of post mortem trauma such as bite-marks (cannibalism) Any activities the victim enjoyed, example: You can find out different activities the victim liked based on their damage and wear and tear in certain areas of their body