ANTH Forensic Anthropology 3

Question 1

A forensic anthropologist notes squared eye orbits and a wide nasal aperture. These traits are used to estimate what?

Accepted Answer

Ancestry

Answer

Nonmetric cranial traits such as orbit shape and nasal aperture width contribute to ancestry estimation.

Question 2

The Phenice technique evaluates three features of which bone to estimate sex?

Accepted Answer

Os pubis (pubic bone)

Answer

Phenice's method assesses the ventral arc, subpubic concavity, and medial ramus of the pubis.

Question 3

Adipocere formation on a body indicates what about the depositional environment?

Accepted Answer

Moist, anaerobic conditions

Answer

Adipocere (grave wax) forms when body fat saponifies in damp, oxygen-poor environments.

Question 4

Which dental feature is commonly used to help estimate age in subadult remains?

Accepted Answer

Dental eruption sequence

Answer

The predictable timing of tooth formation and eruption makes dentition a strong age indicator in children.

Question 5

Sharp-force trauma on bone is typically characterized by what?

Accepted Answer

Narrow, linear cuts with clean walls

Answer

Cutting or stabbing implements leave narrow incisions with relatively smooth, defined margins.

ANTH (Anthropology) Practice Test