Physical Anthropology Flashcards
Why study physical anthropology
Archaeologists must be familiar with human remains
People who specialize in forensic fieldwork rely on basic archaeology skills
What does physical anthropology determine
Biological sex Age, stature, weight (during life) Health Genetic relationships Evolution Importance of the concept of populations Sexual dimorphism Difference WITHIN populations vs. BETWEEN populations
What is the importance of the concept of populations
Populations differ (for good, historical reasons)
Difference between male and female pelvic girdle
Female= bigger/wider
Difference between male and female skulls
Female skulls have more rounded forehead
Male skulls have a more prominent brow ridge
Difference between male and female atlas vertebra
Larger in males
Difference in male and female sternal body
2x as long in males
Difference in male and female femur
Femoral head is larger in males
Difference between male and female linea aspera
More pronounced in males
When does age of death testing work best
On young individuals
What part of the body can be used to determine age at death
Teeth
When do deciduous teeth come in
Around 6 months and continue to erupt until 3 years
When do adult teethe come in
Around 6 years
When do third molars come in
About 15 years old or not at all
What can be used to determine age at death other than teeth
Epiphyseal fusion
Cranial sutures
Face of the pubic symphysis
