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Forensic anthropology is the application of the science of physical anthropology and human osteology (the study of the human skeleton) in a legal setting, most often in criminal cases where the victim's remains are more or less skeletonized. A forensic anthropologist can also assist in the identification of deceased individuals whose remains are decomposed, burned, mutilated or otherwise unrecognizable. The adjective "forensic" refers to the application of this sub field of science to a court of law. Answer: Forensic anthropology is the examination of skeletal remains. A forensic anthropologist can first determine if the remains are in fact human. Then he can determine the gender, approximate age, physical stature, their occupation, and likely racial affiliation of the person in life. He can also estimate approximate time since death, likely cause of death and any identifying illnesses or wounds suffered in life that could leave traces in the bone structure.

Generally speaking forensic anthropology is the examination of human skeletal remains for law enforcement agencies to determine the identity of unidentified bones. Further definition of the term is necessary to understand the scope and basis of forensic anthropology. Anthropology alone is the study of man. Anthropologists are interested in culture (cultural anthropologists), language (linguistic anthropologists), the physical remains or artifacts left behind by human occupation (archaeologists), and human remains or bones and teeth (physical anthropologists).

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Q: What is a forensic anthropologist?
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How do forensic anthropologists use math?

A forensic anthropologist will need to use math when measuring bones. Measuring bones can lead to many discoveries, including the age and sex of a person.


What do forensic anthropologist do?

Forensic anthropology is the examination of skeletal remains. A forensic anthropologist can first determine if the remains are in fact human. Then he can determine the gender, approximate age, physical stature, their occupation, and likely racial affiliation of the person in life. He can also estimate approximate time since death, likely cause of death and any identifying illnesses or wounds suffered in life that could leave traces in the bone structure.


What type of mathematics are used for forensic science?

are there any answer that math is related to forensic science


What is the role of a forensic dactyloscopy?

A Forensic Dactyloscopy is the science that deals with the comparison, Identification, and classification of fingerprints.


How does a forensic anthropologist use math?

Forensic anthropologists use data gathered through anthropometric/osteometric methods to draw conclusions. For example, say they have the femur (thigh bone) of an unknown victim and they want to estimate that victim's height. The person can measure the femur, and then plug that measurement into a formula to give a rough estimate of the victim's height. The formula used is created by analyzing a huge osteometric database that contains measurements of the femur in individuals of known height. This is how they create the most accurate estimate. Of course, the quality of these databases varies, but the goal is always to use the most recent, most complete data possible. Luckily, much of this work is now done by computer software, which is a great time saver for the forensic anthropologist. However, it is still important to understand the math behind the software, and to be able to explain how it works to a jury. There are also mathematical formulas used to calculate decomposition rates which take into account temperature, but usually these are included. They are used to complement a more holistic analysis that takes into account unquantifiable factors, such as animal scavenging, perimorterm trauma, etc. Forensic anthropologists must also understand concepts in math. For example, you must be able to tell whether the sub pubic angle is greater than or less than 90 degrees, as this can help to determine whether the pelvis you're looking at is male or female. It's absolutely crucial to understand the significance of sample size in a study--this can help you determine whether the conclusions drawn from the study should be applied to your case, or whether more research is needed before you can draw a conclusion. Statistics in general are important--frequency plots, frequency distributions, and big tables full of numbers can be found in almost any journal article on forensic anthropology. Digital imaging advances are now allowing forensic anthropologists to analyze skeletal features mathematically, and therefore, more objectively. Increasing objectivity in forensic anthropology is very important, especially when the forensic anthropologist's conclusions have to hold up in court. It's easy to argue with the opinion that a skull has "delicate features" and is therefore probably female, but it's much harder to argue with osteometric measurements that give you an 88% likelihood the skull is female.

Related questions

Forensic anthropologist Dr Temperance Brennan also writes novels about a forensic anthropologist named Kathy Reichs in what TV series based on the novels of a real-life forensic anthropologist named?

Bones


What does a forensic anthropologist NOT do during an inventory of the bones?

A forensic anthropologist does not analyze DNA during an inventory of bones. This process is typically performed by a forensic geneticist.


Is there another word for forensic anthropologist?

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How do anthropologist use to study bones?

a Forensic Anthropologist wow and this is coming from a 12 year old.


What is the average salary for a forensic anthropologist in England?

rAINBOW


How do you say Forensic Anthropologist in spanish?

Antropólogo Forensico


Where would you get a job as a forensic anthropologist?

You could study anthropology at the University of Tennessee or maybe Kansas state. You can become a forensic anthropologist by studying near a research facility


What are the scientists that study the remains of ancient people?

forensic anthropologist


How long do you have to go to college before being able to become a forensic anthropologist?

I estimate 10 years of post secondary education to obtain a Phd that would be required to become a Forensic Anthropologist.


Where can a forensic anthropologist work?

At police stations and police/government labs.


How many people are employed in forensic anthropologist?

That would depend where you work.


What is the profession of the main character on the TV show Bones?

Forensic Anthropologist