Anthropology

Ethnic Origin (European vs. African vs. Asian -+ skull differences)
Sex (Male vs. Female -> best bone for determining difference)
Skull-, be able to describe differences in male vs. female skulls
Age › best determination
Fusing of cartilage…. epiphysis
Skull features-+ zygomatic bone? Maxilla vs. Mandible

Ethnic Origin (European vs. African vs. Asian -+ skull differences)

European skulls have round orbital openings, prominent nasal spine and straight prognathism.

Asian skulls have rounded, circular orbital openings, somewhat prominent nasal spine and variable prognathism.

African skulls have rectangular or square orbital openings, very small nasal spine and prognathic prognathism.

Sex (Male vs. Female -> best bone for determining difference)

Pelvis is the best bone (differences due to adaptations to childbirth). Females have a wider subpubic angle. Females have a sciatic notch > 90° females have a broad pelvic inlet.

Skull-, be able to describe differences in male vs. female skulls

Crests and ridges more pronounced in males
Chin significantly more square in males
Mastoid process-wide and robust in males
Forehead slopes more in males

Age › best determination Fusing of cartilage…. epiphysis Skull features-+ zygomatic bone? Maxilla vs. Mandible

Ages 0-5: teeth are best – forensic odontology – Baby teeth are lost and adult teeth erupt in predictable patterns

• Ages 6-25: epiphyseal fusion – fusion of bone ends to bone shaft – epiphyseal fusion varies with sex and is typically complete by age 25

• Ages 25-40: very hard

• Ages 40+: basically wear and tear on bones – periodontal disease, arthritis, breakdown of pelvis, etc.