FLVS 1.05 The Human Skeleton

How many bones are in the collection? (This number is called the NISP- Number of Identified Specimens.)

18

Why do you think the MNI is important when working in a scenario like this?

Because it is used to determine the fewest possible individuals involved/present in the case.

Which of the bones in the collection belong to the axial skeleton?

Skull (3)

The MNI is the Minimum Number of Individuals—the lowest number of individuals needed to account for the bones present.

Three

What do you tell the sheriff?

possible body count of 4, definite 3

Which belong to the appendicular skeleton?

the femora (6), hip bones (4), humeri (2), tibiae (2), and scapulae(5).

What is the maximum number of individuals who could be represented by these bones? Explain your answer. (Hint: Assume every bone in the collection could be from a different person.)

Four.