ATH 102: FINAL TEST WITH SOLUTIONS
I. Discuss two methods forensic anthropologists can use to determine
identifying traits of an individual when all they have to work with is the skeletal
remains.
Sex estimation is possible by analyzing the pelvis, as there are differences in
size and shape. Discovering the stature estimation is possible by measuring
the long bones of the legs, which is achieved by using an osteometric board.
II. Is it possible to use bone trauma to help solve a forensic case?
Yes, definitely. Bone trauma means that something abrupt happened to a
bone, whether it be an accident, violence, disease, etc. It helps reveal an
individual’s personal history and what could have led to their death, leading
to a solved case.
III. Briefly define Wolff’s law and give an example of when it occurs.
It’s the principle that bone mass is produced where needed and removed
where it’s not. It occurs throughout life, but bones change with physical
activities such as baseball or tennis, which put stress on the arm and leads
to bone remodeling.
IV. Now that you have learned more about physical anthropology, which is your
favorite subfield (paleoanthropology, primatology, osteology, etc.)? Why?
I think all subfields are interesting, and I learned the most about primatology,
but I’d have to say that forensic anthropology is my favorite.
Paleoanthropology comes close because I find it fascinating that diseases
and injuries can be determined through skeletal remains, but forensic
anthropology has always caught my attention through shows like Bones or
NCIS. Although it may not be realistic, its stunning appearance and nature,
as well as the stories that are unfolded through different cases, makes the
subfield compelling.
V. List and briefly describe the subfields of anthropology. Give an example of a
research problem or the type of research that a specialist in each of these
subfields would study.
, ATH 102: FINAL TEST WITH SOLUTIONS
● Linguistic anthropology: Study of the construction and use of human
speech and language. An example of research would be
sociolinguistics, the study of language in social contexts.
● Cultural anthropology: Study of modern human societies by
analyzing culture in all aspects. An example of research would be
participant observation in different cultures.
● Archaeology: Study of human history/prehistory by analyzing and
interpreting material remains. An example of research would be
planning surveys and excavations.
● Biological/Physical anthropology: Study of all aspects of human
biology through evolution and variation. An example of research
would be examining primate bones and teeth, social behaviors,
origins, etc.
VI. If a physical anthropologist was employed in a job which investigated crime
scene situations involving skeletal remains, which of the subfields of physical
anthropology should he/she be familiar with? How would a background in each
of these subfields be beneficial?
They would be involved in forensic anthropology because they would be
identifying remains in regard to the law. However, a background in every
other subfield would be beneficial due to similar studies, allowing them to
provide more information.
VII. According to the video What About God?, how did the creationists explain
buried fossils? How do you feel about the biology professors they
showcased who have to profess their belief in creationism and sign a
“statement of faith”?
They said that a worldwide flood buried plants and animals and created
conditions for fossils to form. I think it’s ridiculous that the biology
professors had to profess their belief. First of all it’s personal information,
and secondly it’s a religious aspect that doesn’t correlate to their profession.
VIII. Explain the theory of natural selection. How did the theories of early
evolutionary scholars lead to the culminating theory of natural selection?
I. Discuss two methods forensic anthropologists can use to determine
identifying traits of an individual when all they have to work with is the skeletal
remains.
Sex estimation is possible by analyzing the pelvis, as there are differences in
size and shape. Discovering the stature estimation is possible by measuring
the long bones of the legs, which is achieved by using an osteometric board.
II. Is it possible to use bone trauma to help solve a forensic case?
Yes, definitely. Bone trauma means that something abrupt happened to a
bone, whether it be an accident, violence, disease, etc. It helps reveal an
individual’s personal history and what could have led to their death, leading
to a solved case.
III. Briefly define Wolff’s law and give an example of when it occurs.
It’s the principle that bone mass is produced where needed and removed
where it’s not. It occurs throughout life, but bones change with physical
activities such as baseball or tennis, which put stress on the arm and leads
to bone remodeling.
IV. Now that you have learned more about physical anthropology, which is your
favorite subfield (paleoanthropology, primatology, osteology, etc.)? Why?
I think all subfields are interesting, and I learned the most about primatology,
but I’d have to say that forensic anthropology is my favorite.
Paleoanthropology comes close because I find it fascinating that diseases
and injuries can be determined through skeletal remains, but forensic
anthropology has always caught my attention through shows like Bones or
NCIS. Although it may not be realistic, its stunning appearance and nature,
as well as the stories that are unfolded through different cases, makes the
subfield compelling.
V. List and briefly describe the subfields of anthropology. Give an example of a
research problem or the type of research that a specialist in each of these
subfields would study.
, ATH 102: FINAL TEST WITH SOLUTIONS
● Linguistic anthropology: Study of the construction and use of human
speech and language. An example of research would be
sociolinguistics, the study of language in social contexts.
● Cultural anthropology: Study of modern human societies by
analyzing culture in all aspects. An example of research would be
participant observation in different cultures.
● Archaeology: Study of human history/prehistory by analyzing and
interpreting material remains. An example of research would be
planning surveys and excavations.
● Biological/Physical anthropology: Study of all aspects of human
biology through evolution and variation. An example of research
would be examining primate bones and teeth, social behaviors,
origins, etc.
VI. If a physical anthropologist was employed in a job which investigated crime
scene situations involving skeletal remains, which of the subfields of physical
anthropology should he/she be familiar with? How would a background in each
of these subfields be beneficial?
They would be involved in forensic anthropology because they would be
identifying remains in regard to the law. However, a background in every
other subfield would be beneficial due to similar studies, allowing them to
provide more information.
VII. According to the video What About God?, how did the creationists explain
buried fossils? How do you feel about the biology professors they
showcased who have to profess their belief in creationism and sign a
“statement of faith”?
They said that a worldwide flood buried plants and animals and created
conditions for fossils to form. I think it’s ridiculous that the biology
professors had to profess their belief. First of all it’s personal information,
and secondly it’s a religious aspect that doesn’t correlate to their profession.
VIII. Explain the theory of natural selection. How did the theories of early
evolutionary scholars lead to the culminating theory of natural selection?
