C. 8 Sex Estimation

Androgeny

Physical or psychological sexual ambiguity

Carrying angle

The angle at which the upper and lower portions of the arm articulate; osteologically in humans, the angle at which the humerus articulates with the radius and ulna

Gender

Socially constructed roles, behaviors, activities, and attributes considered appropriate for men and women

Genotype

The genetic make up of an organism

Hominin

Of the tribe Hominini (order Primates, family Hominidae, sub-family Homininae) which includes humans and their ancestors after the split from the tribe Panini

Intersex

The condition of having anomalous or intermediate features that typically distinguish males and females in a species

Locomotion

The act of or the ability to move from place to place; in humans, usually walking

Morphology

The structure, size, and form of an organism or its parts

Neotenous/Pedomorphic

Retaining juvenile characteristics into adulthood

Parturition

Childbirth; the process of giving birth to offspring

Phenotype/Phenotypic

Observable physical characteristics of an organism as determined by both genetics and environmental influences

Q-angle

Quadriceps angle; the angle at which the upper and lower portions of the leg articulate; osteologically in humans, the angle at which the femur articulates with the tibia

Sex

The classification of an organism as male or female based on reproductive organs and functions

Sexual dimorphism

Phenotypic differences between males and females of the same species

Subadult

An individual who has not reached physiological adulthood or has not yet attained adult characteristics; osteologically, an individual who has not reached skeletal maturity; juvenile

What is sexual dimorphism in humans?

It refers to the differences in size and shape between male and female skeletons.

Who can differentiate between male and female skeletons?

Forensic anthropologists

Why is it possible to distinguish male from female skeletons?

Because humans exhibit sexual dimorphism.

What are the primary functions influencing sex differences in the skeleton?

Parturition and locomotion

Why do females have a wider pelvis?

To accommodate the large size of human infant heads during childbirth

What must females maintain while having a wide pelvis?

Efficient locomotion

What does 'sex' refer to in biological terms?

Biological differences between males and females of an organism.

What does 'gender' refer to?

Cultural expressions of femininity and masculinity.

Why is the pelvis significant in sex estimation?

The pelvis is the most sexually dimorphic region of the human skeleton.

What is the most accurate method for estimating sex from the pelvis?

Visual assessment of the pelvis.

What is the Phenice method?

A method using the os pubis that is validated and widely used for estimating sex.

What is the accuracy of the Phenice method?

It is one of the most validated and accurate methods for estimating sex.

What is the second most reliable method for sex estimation based on postcranial limb bones?

Metric assessment of postcranial limb bones.

Why is metric assessment of postcranial limb bones considered reliable for sex estimation?

Because males are larger on average than females, especially in weight-bearing joints.

What factors contribute to the reliability of sex estimation methods in anthropology?

Differences in size and morphology between male and female skeletal remains.

How do male skulls generally compare to female skulls?

Male skulls tend to be larger, rugged, and more robust, while female skulls are smaller, smoother, and more gracile.

Are skull differences reliable for sex estimation compared to other bones?

Sex differences in the skull are less reliable than those of the pelvis and limb bones but still have utility in sex estimation.

What characteristics define female skulls in comparison to male skulls?

Female skulls are characterized as smaller, smoother, and more gracile.

What characteristics define male skulls in comparison to female skulls?

Male skulls are characterized as larger, rugged, and more robust.

Why is estimating sex in juveniles considered unreliable?

Most sex differences in skeletal structure do not appear until puberty.

When do most sex differences in skeletal structure become apparent?

At puberty.

What is the general consensus regarding estimating sex in juvenile skeletons?

It is generally considered unadvisable.

How can sex be determined from skeletal remains?

Through DNA analysis.

Who typically performs DNA analysis on skeletal remains?

Anthropologists do not perform DNA analysis themselves.

What role do anthropologists play in DNA sampling of skeletal remains?

They may be responsible for selecting skeletal specimens for DNA sampling.