Chapter_1_Introduction_2014_Forensic-Anthropology

Forensic Anthropology

The application of anthropological method and theory to matters of legal concern, particularly the study of the skeleton.

Biological Profile

A summary of various biological parameters estimated from human skeletal material, typically including age, sex, ancestry, and stature.

Cultural Anthropology

The study of human cultural variation, including aspects of social organization, subsistence practices, economics, politics, conflict, technology, and religion.

Linguistic Anthropology

The study of human communication and language systems, including differences across time and space.

Archaeology

The study of past human cultures through the materials left behind, including artifacts, ecofacts, and features.

Physical Anthropology

The study of the evolution and diversity of primates, especially humans, focusing on comparative anatomy and skeletal biology.

Thomas Dwight

Considered 'The Father of Forensic Anthropology in the United States' for his foundational work in the field, particularly his 1878 publication.

Skeletal Biology

The study of the anatomy and biology of the skeleton, including bones and teeth.

Postmortem Interval

The time that has elapsed since a person has died.

Taphonomy

The study of the processes affecting organic remains from the time of death to the time of discovery.

Medicolegal

Relating to both medicine and law, of interest to the medicolegal death investigation system.

Bioarchaeology

The study of past human lifeways through the analysis of human remains and their archaeological context.

Artifact

Any object modified by humans, usually tools or pottery.

Paleopathology

The study of diseases in antiquity, influencing the understanding of how diseases affected ancient populations.

Functional Morphology

The study of the structure and function of the musculoskeletal system.

Disaster Mortuary Operation Response Team (DMORT)

A federal response team that provides support during mass disasters involving numerous fatalities.

American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS)

A professional society dedicated to applying science to the law and promoting education in forensic sciences.

American Board of Forensic Anthropology (ABFA)

A non-profit organization providing certification in forensic anthropology.

SWGANTH

The Scientific Working Group for Forensic Anthropology; formed to develop and disseminate best practice guidelines.

Entomology

The study of insects; in forensics, used to estimate time since death based on insect activity on decomposing remains.

Evolution

A process by which organisms develop and diversify from earlier forms.

Human Lineage

The line of descendants leading to modern humans.

Geometry in Forensics

The application of geometric principles in examining and analyzing skeletal remains.

Molecular Biology

The branch of biology concerned with the molecular basis for biological activity.