Determining Sex

Question 1

When Determining sex of remains, state 5 factors that would indicate an adult male, not an adult female, with reference to size, reproduction and biochemistry.

Answer 1

Larger joint surfaces
greater muscle bulk
stronger muscle attachments
differences in DNA
females have hip-bones adapted for child birth

Question 2

With just cranial remains, what does the Supraorbital ridge show (Brow ridge)

Answer 2

Males: pronounced
Females: Smooth

Question 3

With just cranial remains, what does the Mental eminence show? Chin/Jaw shape

Answer 3

Males: Squared/Sharp
Females: Rounded

Question 4

With just cranial remains, what does the Mastoid Process show? (Back of the cranium)

Answer 4

Males: Larger, more robust
Females: small

Question 5

With just cranial remains, what does the Nuchal crest show?

Answer 5

Males: hooked, strong and prominent
Females: smooth

Question 6

Give 3 factors that would indicate a female pelvis?

Answer 6

Adapted to give birth;
Lower and broader
Flatter iliac blades
A wider pelvic inlet

Question 7

Give 3 factors that would indicate a femal pubis?

Answer 7

A ventral arc
A subpubic concavity
Subpubic rammus

Question 8

What do parturition scars show, and what is the problem with using them for sex identification?

Answer 8

Can be produced in childbirth, however physical activity such as gymnastics can also create them

Question 9

What is the typical accuracy for having the pelvis alone in sexual determination?

Answer 9

90%

Question 10

What is the typical accuracy for having the cranium alone in sexual determination?

Answer 10

80%

Question 11

What is the typical accuracy for having long bones alone in sexual determination?

Answer 11

70%

Question 12

What is the typical accuracy for having a fully formed skeleton in sexual determination?

Answer 12

95%

Question 13

How would you determine the sex of juvenile remains?

Answer 13

Distinguishable factors that first appear at puberty mean it is problematic, dentition can be used, if there are permanent teeth

Question 14

Give and explain 3 factors that negatively affect sex determination in juveniles?

Answer 14

Preservation - bone mineral content may be depleted if improperly preserved
Cultural reasons - Burial traditions, infanticide
Recovery - can be incomplete from inexperienced excavators

Question 15

What is the direct test of sexing? and what is the Indirect

Answer 15

Using the classification of known sex (direct)

Calculation of numbers of males and females in a skeletal sample of a known sex ratio

Question 16

How do long bones help in sex determination of adult remains?

Answer 16

Long bones can be used to estimate stature, which can indicate sex. Also they will have larger joint surfaces and muscle attachments in men