Forensic Anthropology: An Application Of Forensic Anthropology

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Forensic anthropology can be an application of anthropology anatomical science and it is subdivided into various subfields. Some of the forensic anthropology fields include archaeology as well as forensic taphonomy and the subfields are applicable in legal settings. However, forensic anthropologists are important because they can identify deceased individuals if the remains are burned, unrecognizable, decomposed or mutilated. Such incidences happen when an accident occurs due to an inferno, road car crash, plane crush or a fierce war among two or more parties. In addition, forensic anthropologists are instrumental in the investigation as well as the documentation mass graves and genocides. Apart from forensic dentists, homicide investigators …show more content…

Anthropologists can determine the sex of the victim by analysing the sexual dimorphism in a skeleton. The pelvis can be used in sex determination and it can yield to a greater accuracy level. In addition, sacrum location and pubic arch can also be used by the anthropologist to determine the sex of a deceased individual. At times, the pelvis may not be available for the analysis and therefore, the skull can be helpful in identifying and distinction of sex since it contains various markers that differ among the two sexes. Such markers include supraorbital ridge, eye sockets, temporal line, mastoid process and nuchal lines. Stature Determination Stature determination is the other method that is often used by forensic anthropologists in identification of victims. It involves quite many formulas that are developed by other anthropologists through skeletal examinations carried out in different regions as well as backgrounds. It involves measuring the length of several types of leg and bones such as the femur, tibia and fibula, ulna, radius and humerus. The length of the bones are recorded in centimetres as the preferred value. The method is only applicable and effective in the determination of the height of the victim. Age

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