ABFM ABFM Forensic Anthropology & Identification 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which method of positive identification is considered the gold standard in forensic cases?
- Circumstantial evidence and clothing
- DNA comparison with a known reference sample (Correct answer)
- Facial reconstruction from the skull
- Visual identification by next of kin
Correct answer: DNA comparison with a known reference sample
DNA comparison with an antemortem reference sample (blood relative or direct sample) is the most definitive method of positive identification.
Question 2: Dental identification (forensic odontology) works by comparing what type of records?
- Bite force measurements and jaw width
- Postmortem dental X-rays with antemortem dental records (Correct answer)
- Tooth enamel chemical composition profiles
- Visual tooth color charts from the deceased
Correct answer: Postmortem dental X-rays with antemortem dental records
Forensic odontology compares postmortem dental radiographs and dental charts with antemortem records to confirm identity.
Question 3: When skeletal remains are commingled, what is the primary goal of the forensic anthropologist?
- Determine combined cause of death
- Establish a single biological profile for the group
- Identify and separate the minimum number of individuals (MNI) (Correct answer)
- Test all bones for DNA without sorting
Correct answer: Identify and separate the minimum number of individuals (MNI)
In commingled remains, the forensic anthropologist works to determine the minimum number of individuals (MNI) and associate elements from the same person.
Question 4: Fingerprint comparison as a means of identification requires the examiner to match friction ridge details called what?
- Anthroscopic markers
- Dermal papillae clusters
- Minutiae (ridge endings and bifurcations) (Correct answer)
- Sweat pore distributions
Correct answer: Minutiae (ridge endings and bifurcations)
Fingerprint identification relies on matching specific minutiae — ridge endings, bifurcations, and other features — between known and unknown prints.
Question 5: Which antemortem record is most useful when skeletal remains show evidence of healed surgical implants?
- Blood type records from a hospital
- Dental records from a general practitioner
- Medical imaging records showing implant type and placement (Correct answer)
- Optical prescription history
Correct answer: Medical imaging records showing implant type and placement
Medical imaging (X-rays, CT) and surgical records can document implant type, serial numbers, and placement location that match postmortem findings.
Question 6: What is the purpose of facial approximation (reconstruction) in a forensic investigation?
- Provide definitive legal identification of the individual
- Reconstruct soft tissue for positive DNA sampling
- Generate a likeness to generate investigative leads, not positive ID (Correct answer)
- Replace dental comparison when records are unavailable
Correct answer: Generate a likeness to generate investigative leads, not positive ID
Facial approximation is an investigative tool to generate public leads; it is not accepted as a method of positive identification in court.
ABFM ABFM Forensic Anthropology & Identification 2
Which method of positive identification is considered the gold standard in forensic cases?