Week 10 & 11 - Stature Estimation

Question 1

explain stature estimation and what do the methods depend on

Answer 1

relationship between height and skeletal dimensions

• > methods depend on what is present and state of preservation
• > creates bioprofile data

Question 2

stature estimation methods

Answer 2

• > full skeleton method
• > regression methods
• > fragment methods
• > non-limb methods
• > other considerations

Question 3

pros and cons to full skeleton method

Answer 3

PROS
• Free from sex and ancestry considerations
• Most accurate, especially in anomalous
situations (e.g., extra verts, proportion
variability)
CONS
• Need a complete skeleton
• Inefficient

Question 4

what are regression methods

Answer 4

• > most common stature estimation method
• > explores the correlation between heigh and bone segments (i.e. taller people will have longer arms/legs)
• > femur is most accurate, then lower legs, then arms

Question 5

pros and cons to regression methods

Answer 5

PROS
• Easy, efficient
• Do not need multiple skeletal elements
CONS
• Less accurate, not using all bones
• Cannot account for anomalies
• Population and sex-specific; therefore need
specific standards

Question 6

fragment methods

Answer 6

• > type of regression method that explores the correlation between bone segment length and total length
• > first estimate max length and then estimating stature
• > humerus fragment example in lab

Question 7

non limb methods

Answer 7

• Weaker correlations with greater error
• Calcaneus/talus
• Metatarsals
• Sacral and coccygeal verts
• Only if other methods unavailable

Question 8

other consideration when estimating stature

Answer 8

• Non-adult stature not easily calculated
• Stature decreases with advancing age (loss or compression of cartilage), process is non-linear and varies between individuals
• Comparison to reported stature (over-estimation, taller more accurate)
• Measurement standards from specific methods