Forensic Anthropology

Forensic anthropology applies anthropological knowledge and methods to legal cases, primarily through the examination of human skeletal remains. Forensic anthropologists work to determine identity, cause of death, and other information that can aid in solving crimes and understanding historical remains.

Solving Mysteries

Forensic anthropologists use bones to learn about people who lived in the past or solve modern cases. They study skeletons to figure out who someone was, how they lived, and sometimes how they died. This helps in solving mysteries and even crimes.

Bones Tell Stories

Forensic anthropologists examine bones to determine a person’s age, gender, and even their job. For example, someone who worked with heavy tools might have strong, worn-out bones. Every bone gives clues about a person’s life.

Forensic Anthropology in Crime Scenes

Police call forensic anthropologists to help with cases involving unidentified remains. They work with detectives to uncover important details. For example, they can tell if injuries happened before or after someone died, which helps investigations.

Tools of Forensic Anthropology

Forensic anthropologists use tools like measuring calipers, microscopes, and 3D scanners. These tools help them study bones in detail. They also use computers to reconstruct faces and create models of what someone might have looked like.

Famous Forensic Anthropology Cases

Some well-known cases involve forensic anthropologists. For example, they helped identify victims of the Titanic disaster by studying bones and artifacts. They’ve also worked on solving historical mysteries like ancient burial sites.

How Bones Change Over Time

Bones change as people grow. Forensic anthropologists study these changes to determine a person’s age. For instance, children’s bones are smaller and have growth plates, while older adults may have worn or brittle bones.

What Forensic Anthropologists Learn from Teeth

Teeth can tell a lot about a person. Forensic anthropologists examine teeth to learn about age, diet, and even where someone lived. They can also find evidence of dental work, which helps identify people.