Forensic anthropology studies skeletal remains to determine the identity and cause of death of the deceased. It differs from osteology as it’s used for legal cases. Forensic anthropologists can determine gender, age, height, race, and sometimes the date of death. They can also help determine factors contributing to a person’s death. Training can take over a decade, and jobs are found in military organizations, medical research facilities, coroner’s offices, and educational institutions.
Forensic anthropology is the study of skeletal remains, used to determine information about the identity and manner of death of the deceased. This type of anthropology differs from osteology, the general study of bones, in that the results are used for legal cases and criminal investigations. Part scientist and part historian, a forensic anthropologist trains for many years to be able to understand the subtle information conveyed by organic remains.
Although the practice of forensic anthropology dates back centuries, the theories and methods did not truly coalesce into a scientific practice until the early 20th century. Large-scale wars with huge losses played a large part in solidifying this branch of anthropology, as skilled scientists were often needed to help identify the decomposed or partial remains of thousands of soldiers and civilians. Through this unfortunate necessity, the true scientific methods of the field were rapidly developed, leading to increased application of anthropology in the world of criminal investigation.
When a forensic anthropologist is presented with remains, he or she can do a series of tests and measurements to determine information about the skeleton. First, if the remains are badly decomposed, tests may be done to determine whether the remains are human or animal. With more complete skeletons, various details, such as the gender, age, and height of the deceased person, can be estimated or determined. Race can sometimes be accurately determined, and the date of death can occasionally be approximated.
In legal cases, a forensic anthropologist can help read skeletal clues to determine factors contributing to the person’s death. For example, signs of blunt trauma, bullet fragments, or cuts and scars that indicate a stabbing can sometimes be found during an examination. Forensic pathologists, rather than anthropologists, are typically legally responsible for determining the exact cause of death, but the anthropologist’s findings may be instrumental in making this determination. Several forensic investigators, including anthropologists, can work together on a case to get the most accurate results. As part of an investigation, a forensic anthropologist may need to file legal briefs or act as an expert witness in court.
Training for a forensic anthropologist can take more than a decade. Most industry professionals earn undergraduate and graduate degrees in physical anthropology and may spend many years in apprenticeships and grassroots jobs before becoming fully qualified to act as authorities on the subject. Forensic anthropology jobs are typically found in military organizations, medical research facilities, coroner’s offices, and educational institutions.
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