The Mystery of the Bones

The Mystery of the Bones Objectives      Understand what a forensic anthropologist does Reconstruct 4 "unknown" skeletons Determine the age, sex, height of the "unknowns" Investigate forensic art and its application in finding missing persons Determine the identities of the 4 "unknowns" Section 1 - Research and Background Let Evidence Reveal the Truth 1. How are facial reconstructions made using a skull? What are the limitations of these reconstructions? What materials are used? Facial reconstructions are typically made by placing tissue-depth markers on a skull and then adding layers of clay to mimic the soft tissue. The limitations include assumptions about facial features and the lack of specific individual characteristics. Materials used typically include clay and sometimes computer software 2. How can bones be used to determine age? Bones can be used to determine age through various methods such as examining growth plates in long bones or assessing changes in the pubic symphysis or auricular surface of the pelvis 3. How three points on a skeleton are used to determine gender? Gender can be determined by examining the skull, pelvis, and long bones. For example, the shape of the pelvis, the size of the mastoid process on the skull, and the robustness of long bones can provide clues 4. What bone is commonly used to determine height? The length of the femur bone is commonly used to estimate height Investigative Techniques of Forensic Anthropology 1. What can the teeth tell you about the deceased? Teeth can provide information about the age, diet, and sometimes the occupation of the deceased 2. How can the skull be used to determine age? The skull can be examined for features such as the closure of cranial sutures or dental wear patterns to estimate age 3. How is the pelvis of a female different from the pelvis of a male? The female pelvis is generally wider and has a wider subpubic angle compared to the narrower and more robust male pelvis 4. The hand bones can help you determine what about the deceased? Hand bones can help determine the occupation of the deceased Explore Forensics 1. What is the first thing a forensic scientist looks at to identify a deceased? The first thing a forensic scientist looks at to identify a deceased person is usually their face or distinctive features 2. Where is the most accurate place to take the body temperature? Suppose a body is found and its temperature is recorded at 34 degrees celcius, how long has the body been dead? The most accurate place to take the body temperature is the liver. The body temperature of 34 degrees Celsius suggests the body has been dead for a few hours, but factors like environment and clothing can affect this estimation 3. Why might a corpse be exhumed? A corpse might be exhumed for further examination if new evidence comes to light or if there's a need for additional forensic analysis 4. What insect is used to determine time of death? What type of scientist studies these insects? Blowflies are often used to determine the time of death, and entomologists study these insects 5. What is rigormortis and how long does it last? Rigor mortis is the stiffening of muscles after death, and it typically lasts for around 24-48 hours 6. What is lividity? Lividity, or livor mortis, is the pooling of blood in the lowest parts of the body after death 7. What are the four categories of death? The four categories of death are natural, accidental, suicidal, and homicidal Written in Bone - Exhibit at the Skeleton Keys --> Bone Basics 1. What is the last bone to complete its growth? The clavicle (collarbone) is the last bone to complete its growth 2. How are teeth used to estimate age? Teeth can be used to estimate age by examining wear patterns, eruption sequence, and dental development 3. What is bone "remodeling" and how can it be used to determine age? Bone remodeling refers to the continuous process of bone resorption and formation throughout life. It can be used to determine age by assessing the amount of remodeling present 4. What is the sciatic notch? How can it be used to determine gender? The sciatic notch is a notch in the pelvis bone. In females, it is typically wider and shallower compared to males, allowing for the passage of the baby during childbirth. This difference can be used to determine gender