ANTH Forensic Anthropology 2

Question 1

Which pelvic feature is most reliable for estimating biological sex from skeletal remains?

Accepted Answer

Greater sciatic notch width

Answer

A wider, more open greater sciatic notch is characteristic of female pelves and is among the most reliable sexing traits.

Question 2

The pubic symphysis is primarily used by forensic anthropologists to estimate what?

Accepted Answer

Age at death

Answer

Progressive changes in the pubic symphyseal face correlate with adult age at death.

Question 3

Perimortem fractures are distinguished from postmortem breaks mainly by which characteristic?

Accepted Answer

Green-bone (plastic) response with sharp edges

Answer

Perimortem trauma occurs when bone is still fresh and elastic, producing plastic deformation and beveled or sharp edges.

Question 4

Which method estimates stature by measuring long bones and applying population-specific equations?

Accepted Answer

Trotter and Gleser regression

Answer

Trotter and Gleser developed regression formulae relating long-bone length to living stature.

Question 5

Beveling on the exit side of a cranial gunshot wound helps establish what?

Accepted Answer

Directionality of the projectile

Answer

Internal beveling marks entrance and external beveling marks exit, revealing the direction of travel.

ANTH (Anthropology) Practice Test