1. Forensic Anthropology What is it all about?

2. Forensic Anthropology When all that is left is a pile of bones, that's when the police know to call in a forensic anthropologist.

3. Anthropology is the study of humans. It consists of several sub-fields: Physical anthropology Cultural and linguistic anthropology Archaeology

4. Sub-fields of Anthopology Physical anthropology – the study of the primate order, past and present, such as primate biology, skeletal biology, and human adaptation Cultural and linguistic anthropology – the study of the aspects of human society and language, past and present Archaeology – the study of past cultures via material remains and artifacts

5. What is Forensic Anthropology? Forensic anthropologists draw on each of the sub-fields, but generally rely on knowledge from physical anthropology to apply their expertise to skeletal remains. According to the American Board of Forensic Anthropology, "Forensic anthropology is the application of the science of physical anthropology to the legal process. Forensic anthropologists apply standard scientific techniques developed in physical anthropology to identify human remains, and to assist in the detection of crime." Given the emphasis on skeletons, there is a strong link between forensic anthropology and odontology.odontology

6. Areas of Forensic Anthopology Much of what occurs in forensic anthropology comes from the area of osteology, or the study of bones. Some forensic anthropologists may also specialize in body decomposition and entomology (the study of insects) in order to help estimate the time of death. Forensic anthropologists assist medical and legal specialists to identify known or suspected human remains.

7. What does a Forensic Anthropologist do? The main job is to help to identify a deceased person based on the available evidence. A Forensic Anthropologist may also do tasks such as: archeological excavation examination of hair examination of insects examination of plant materials examination of footprints determination of elapsed time since death facial reproduction photographic superimposition detection of anatomical variants analysis of past injury and medical treatment.

8. Example When a skeleton found in a forest is brought to a morgue for examination, the first step is to determine whether the remains are human, animal, or inorganic material. If human, an anthropologist then attempts to estimate age at death, racial affiliation, sex, and stature of the decedent.

9. The Skeleton's Possible Significance to Medical and Legal Authorities. If the skeleton shows evidence of prolonged burial or is accompanied by coffin nails or arrow points, it usually represents an historic or prehistoric burial rather than a recent death.

10. Secondary Tasks They provide expert opinion on the type and size of weapon(s) used and the number of blows sustained by victims of violent crime. However, Forensic pathologists or related experts in forensic medicine determine the cause or manner of death, not the forensic anthropologist.

11. Most Valuable Skill Familiarity with subtle variations in the human skeleton. Although most adult skeletons have the same number of bones, no two skeletons are identical. Observations of patterns or unique skeletal traits frequently lead to positive identifications. The most frequently used method for identification is to compare before- and after-death dental photo images The next used method is old skeletal injuries or anatomical skeletal variants revealed in other photo images that may provide the comparative evidence necessary to establish a positive identification.

12. Who do they work with? Forensic pathologists Odontologists Homicide investigators To point out evidence of foul play and assist with time of death estimates.