Chapter 6 forensic
taphonomic context
immediate environment and surroundings where the body is found interpretation of condition of remains estimating postmortem interval location of death
estimating stature
it is not a fixed trait (morning to night) measurement usually done incorrectly various methods to estimate
observing bone density
macroscopic, radiographic, bone densitometry
tooth development
6 months old-deciduous eruption and formation of permanent teeth 6 years old- lose deciduous teeth and permanent erupt 18 years old- eruption of third molars
on-site evaluation
allows for revision of search strategy inform team when remains are complete
Forensic anthropology
application of the theory and methods of anthropology to forensic problems.
public symphis
area on the pelvis where the right and left halves join in the front most reliable indicator of age from billowed at 18 to flattened and rimmed by 35 age and sex associated stages
biomechanical interpretation
bone injuries due to sharp and blunt force trauma
biological profile
describe the individual as to narrow the range of possible identities age, sex, population, ancestry, stature not to specific or general use of statistical descriptions
taphnomic assessment
documentation of the condition of the body. stage of decomposition amount of scattering drying and bleaching by the weather other changes
estimating age
females develop earlier on average than males populations, develop slightly different growth of ossification centers are patterned new born has 405 ossification centers
biological sex
genetic a person was born with
206
how many bones does the adult human have?
20 teeth
how many teeth does a human child have?
32 teeth
how many teeth does an adult have?
tasks of forensic archeologist
identify victim or biological profile taphonomic assessment provide data regarding perimortem event
facial approximation
modeling the appearance of a face based on skeletal remains
postmortem alteration
normal decomposition alteration and scattering by scavengers movement and modification by flowing water freezing mummification
perimortem
occurs at or about the time or death
taphonomic assessment
reconstructing the post mortem period based on the condition of the remains and recovery context
forensic anthropologist, medical examiner, crime scene investigators, law enforcement
recovery and examination involves multidisciplinary team consisting of?
forensic archeology
recovery of scattered or buried remains
odontology
scientific study of dental anatomy and biology of the teeth
osteology
scientific study of skeletal anatomy and biology
screening area
selected in a location that had already been searched and is convenient to the grave material from grave is sifted through a screen to reveal human remains, artifacts, fibers, and associated insects
staging area
several yards in every direction surrounding the grave vegetation cover is removed and screened, section by section, including shrubs, saplings, sod metal detector used again sediment samples taken from perimeter and the grave matrix
sexual dimorphism
size is an indicator of sex
mass fatality incident or human right investigation
small or broad area terrestrial or over water aid by rescue teams, cadaver dogs or divers
process of recovering remains
superimpose a grid (total station) Photograph and document before work metal detector examine for insects and plants remains removed gradually, recording position
cranium
the fusion between bones
fourth rib
the rib with age related changes
forensic taphonomy
the scientific study of postmortem processes
physical anthropology
the study of human biological function and variation, particularly skeletal biology
antemortem conditions
the time while victim was alive
x-rays
this locates: bullets or teeth, bone formation centers in infants?
bone density
what depends on age, hormonal status, weight bearing exercise, and nutrition?
gender
what the person expresses socially
dna analysis, finger prints, dental records, x-rays, or unique medical apparatus
what type of techniques can be used for positive identification?
40s
when does deterioration of bone density begin?
FBI bulletin
where was the pivotal article on examining skeletal remains written by W.M. Krogman in 1939 published?
dental development
which is more precise in prepubescent remains?
