ABFM ABFM Forensic Anthropology & Identification 2

Question 1

Which method of positive identification is considered the gold standard in forensic cases?

Accepted Answer

DNA comparison with a known reference sample

Answer

Circumstantial evidence and clothing

Answer

Facial reconstruction from the skull

Answer

Visual identification by next of kin

Question 2

Dental identification (forensic odontology) works by comparing what type of records?

Accepted Answer

Postmortem dental X-rays with antemortem dental records

Answer

Bite force measurements and jaw width

Answer

Tooth enamel chemical composition profiles

Answer

Visual tooth color charts from the deceased

Question 3

When skeletal remains are commingled, what is the primary goal of the forensic anthropologist?

Accepted Answer

Identify and separate the minimum number of individuals (MNI)

Answer

Determine combined cause of death

Answer

Establish a single biological profile for the group

Answer

Test all bones for DNA without sorting

Question 4

Fingerprint comparison as a means of identification requires the examiner to match friction ridge details called what?

Accepted Answer

Minutiae (ridge endings and bifurcations)

Answer

Anthroscopic markers

Answer

Dermal papillae clusters

Answer

Sweat pore distributions

Question 5

Which antemortem record is most useful when skeletal remains show evidence of healed surgical implants?

Accepted Answer

Medical imaging records showing implant type and placement

Answer

Blood type records from a hospital

Answer

Dental records from a general practitioner

Answer

Optical prescription history

Question 6

What is the purpose of facial approximation (reconstruction) in a forensic investigation?

Accepted Answer

Generate a likeness to generate investigative leads, not positive ID

Answer

Provide definitive legal identification of the individual

Answer

Reconstruct soft tissue for positive DNA sampling

Answer

Replace dental comparison when records are unavailable