ABMDI - American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators Decedent Identification Methods Questions and Answers

Question 1

The body of a severely decomposed individual is found.
A forensic anthropologist is consulted to create a biological profile.
Which of the following is the FORENSIC ANTHROPOLOGIST most likely to be able to determine from skeletal remains alone?

Accepted Answer

The decedent's age at death, sex, stature, and ancestry.

Answer

The decedent's specific cause of death.

Answer

The exact time of death.

Answer

The decedent's identity using fingerprint analysis.

Question 2

At the scene of a mass fatality incident, an investigator recovers a fragment of a jawbone with several teeth, some of which have unique dental restorations. Which forensic specialty is best equipped to use this evidence for positive identification?

Accepted Answer

Forensic Odontology

Answer

Forensic Toxicology

Answer

Forensic Anthropology

Answer

Forensic Entomology

Question 3

An investigator is attempting to identify a decedent who has no visual identifying features. The investigator is informed that the decedent had a knee replacement several years ago. Which of the following provides the most direct path to a presumptive, and potentially positive, identification?

Accepted Answer

Tracing the serial number on the orthopedic implant to the manufacturer and hospital records.

Answer

Requesting a DNA profile from the manufacturer of the implant.

Answer

Comparing postmortem X-rays of the knee with general hospital records.

Answer

Contacting the local hospital to see if they recognize the decedent's description.

Question 4

In a case with an unidentified decedent, investigators have no leads on the person's identity. Which of the following methods of identification requires a comparative sample, such as from a personal item or a biological relative?

Accepted Answer

DNA analysis for kinship comparison.

Answer

Analysis of skeletal features to determine age and sex.

Answer

Comparison of postmortem and antemortem dental X-rays.

Answer

Identification based on unique tattoos or scars.

Question 5

Which of the following is considered a primary, scientific method for establishing a positive identification of a decedent?

Accepted Answer

Friction ridge analysis (fingerprinting).

Answer

Visual identification by a family member.

Answer

Identification of personal effects found with the body.

Answer

A description matching a missing person's report.

Question 6

An investigator is working on an unidentified remains case where the body is skeletonized. A forensic anthropologist notes a well-healed fracture on the right femur and the presence of a metal plate and screws. How can this information best be utilized to aid in identification?

Accepted Answer

The specific injury and hardware can be compared with antemortem medical records and radiographs.

Answer

The hardware can be used to estimate the time since death.

Answer

The presence of a healed fracture indicates the decedent was elderly.

Answer

The hardware's serial number can be used to determine the decedent's name directly.

The body of a severely decomposed individual is found.A forensic anthropologist is consulted to create a biological profile.Which of the following is the FORENSIC ANTHROPOLOGIST most likely to be able to determine from skeletal remains alone?

The body of a severely decomposed individual is found.
A forensic anthropologist is consulted to create a biological profile.
Which of the following is the FORENSIC ANTHROPOLOGIST most likely to be able to determine from skeletal remains alone?