Dem Bones

By Alease S. Bruce

Abstract

In this case study, a forensic anthropologist must determine the age and sex as well as look for signs of trauma to a skeleton found in a shallow grave in a state park. Students simulate the actual procedures used in a forensics lab and learn to identify bones, landmarks, and anatomical features associated with sex, age, height, and pathology. The case was developed for use in a freshman-level human anatomy and physiology course. It could also be used in biology, anatomy, and anthropology courses.

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Date Posted

07/09/2001

Overview

Objectives

To analyze the individual bones of the skeleton and their landmarks.
To determine the sex of a skeleton from pelvic morphological distinctions.
To determine the sex of a skeleton from skull morphological distinctions.
To analyze bones to determine height estimations.
To estimate the age of bones of individuals based on morphological changes.
To evaluate bones for pathological and physiological changes.

Keywords

Skeleton; skeletal remains; bony landmark analysis; pelvic morphology; skull morphology; sex determination; height determination; age determination; forensic anthropology

Subject Headings

Anatomy

Anthropology

Biology (General)

Forensic Science

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

High school, Undergraduate lower division

FORMAT

PDF

TOPICAL AREAS

N/A

LANGUAGE

English

TYPE/METHODS

Laboratory

Teaching Notes & Answer Key

Teaching Notes

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Answer Key

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