Forensic Anthrpology Final

What is Forensic Taphonomy?

The Study of postmortem processes which affect preservation and recovery of
human remains.

What are the 4 stages of decomposition?

Fresh, Bloat, Active Decay, Dry/Skeleton

Examples of taphonomic changes to bone

Carnivore damage, root etching, weathering, cut marks, burning, fragmentation, staining from soil minerals

Types of Trauma mechanisms

Blunt force, high-velocity/projectile, sharp force, thermal, or a combination of them

Characteristics of blunt force trauma

Tool marks or impressions. Compression and fracture

Characteristics of high-velocity/projectile trauma

Rapid application of force over small surface area and Associated beveling

Characteristics of sharp force trauma

Created by a tool with a point or beveled edge

What are the timings for trauma?

Antemortem, Perimortem, Postmortem

Four factors that determine fracture type

Degree, angle, direction, type of force

Be able to determine fracture sequences

Follow the path of least resistance. Stop at a previous fracture (loses energy to continue)

Types of fractures

Radiating and Concentric

Antemortem

Before death

Perimortem

Around the time of death

Postmortem

After death

What is ForDisc’s history and importance

Forensic Data Bank at UTK. Measurements of the skull are taken and inputted into electronic data forms. Classifies into group with the highest probability and gives probabilities

Be able to read Fordisc output

Look elsewhere

OSSA method for ancestry

Skull Traits scored. Transformed into binary (0,1). Binary transformations summed.

What is an open population?

Mass fatality incident where the number and identities of the deceased are not known

What is a closed population?

Mass fatality incident where the number and identities of the deceased are believed to be known

What are the best strategies for recovery, identification, and repatriation in a mass disaster?

The best strategy depends on the scenario.

Roles of DMORT

Search and recovery of disaster scene. Analysis of remains at incident morgue. Overall management of disaster response effort. Manage databases

Three methods for facial reconstruction

Tissue Depth Method, Russian Method, Anatomical/Manchester Method

General techniques of facial reconstruction

Musculature of the skull, tissue depth markers, and landmark

How are tissue depth markers taken on cadavers?

Inserting a thin blade or needle at specific anatomical landmarks on the face, probing the soft tissue depth at each point, and recording the measurement

Is facial reconstruction accurate?

Partially accurate

Do dominant genetic traits matter in facial reconstruction?

Yes

Does population matter in facial reconstruction?

Yes

Can facial reconstruction be used on trans people or people with plastic surgery

Yes, but maybe inaccurate

Do skin modifications affect facial reconstruction

Yes

DPAA roles and importance

Provide the fullest possible accounting for our missing personnel from past conflicts to their families and the nation

What strategies, techniques, and protocols are in place for successful identification?

Archeology, Historical research, Anthropology, Odontology, DNA/isotopes, Material evidence

Two types of displacement

Internally displaced persons (natural disasters, etc.) and refugees (those that are displaced across international borders)

Impacts of Alien transfer exit program (ATEP) and Prevention through Deterrence (PTD) program.

Leaves migrants in unfamiliar surroundings, Violence in migration, Deaths

Difficulties with identifying border crossers

Left in a different spot that they crossed on. No identifiable materials. Undocumented by family.