NCJ Number
214136
Date Published
2006
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This chapter addresses the following functions of forensic anthropology: distinguishing between human and animal bone; determining the time of death; determination of the age of a skeleton at death; determination of the sex, race, and height of a skeleton; and the use of other means of identification of remains.
Abstract
The discussion of the distinction between human and animal bones focuses on two studies of the types of skeletons that have been presented by law enforcement agencies for identification to the University of Tennessee forensic and physical anthropology research program. The most common types of nonhuman bones examined since 1971 have been those of deer, dog, pig and cow, followed by chicken, horse, bear, calf, and rabbit. Some of the issues mentioned in a determination of the length of time since death are the stages of insect colonization as a measure of time since death, taking into account weather conditions and other factors that influence decomposition. The determination of age at death from a skeleton requires a basic knowledge of human biology, growth and development, and the aging process. This chapter provides information on the development of baby teeth, adult teeth, the age-related development of various human bones, and bone deterioration after the end of the growth period. A discussion of the determination of sex and race from skeletons focuses on distinctive differences in various bones based on sex and race. The estimation of height is done by measuring the long bones. Other characteristics of bones that can provide information useful for identification are also noted. 9 figures and 43 references