Forensic Anthropology Flashcards
What is forensic osteology?
Study facial superimposition/reconstruction, forensic odontology, bone pathology and archaeology
What is the forensic osteologist asked to do?
Give information that might identify an individual from skeletal remains
The first question asked is
Are the bones human/animal?
Bones to ignore when identifying if human/animal?
That shaft of a long bone or a fragment of a rib is difficult to distinguish
What can be used to distinguish if bone is human/animal?
The smell on heating can give indication if it is an animal
What is the second question asked?
If the remains are forensic or archeological provenance (too old, 70 y/o)
Why is it difficult to determine the time since death?
Many factors alter the composition of a bone
What factors affect decomposition?
Temperature (faster if hot), soil pH, growth/metabolism of bacteria/vegetation, disturbance by animals
What is taphonomy?
The study of the way in which elements of the body are scattered and degraded?
What chemical indicators can indicate the time since death?
What type of grace is usually of forensic importance?
Shallow graves
Especially if blanket or plastic sheet involved
What are the 4 main attributes of biological identity that most osteologists hope to determine?
Sex
Age
Stature
Ethnic background
How many individuals are there?
Allocate skeletal elements to specific individuals
How can you tell if you have a bone from the same/different person
The size of bones
The robusticity
Pathological condition
Colour
What are the differences between male and female bones?
Male bones are generally bigger
Female pelvis is wider
