Why Can Anthropologists Easily Determine the Sex of a Skeleton?
What makes it easier for anthropologists to determine the sex of a skeleton compared to physicians?
Is it because:
a) Physicians focus on the cranium
b) Anthropologists use DNA analysis
c) Anthropologists have extensive training in skeletal morphology
d) Physicians rely on intuition
Answer:
Anthropologists can more easily determine the sex of a skeleton due to their extensive training in skeletal morphology.
Anthropologists can more easily determine the sex of a skeleton due to their extensive training in skeletal morphology and the knowledge and understanding of human osteology and archaeological excavation. They are trained to identify and interpret subtle differences between male and female skeletons. Physicians, on the other hand, usually rely on medical examinations and tests, rather than skeletal evidence, to ascertain biological sex.
Explanation:
The subject is anthropology, specifically forensic anthropology, and the reason why anthropologists can more easily determine the sex of a skeleton is due to their extensive training in skeletal morphology. Forensic anthropologists have knowledge and understanding of archaeological excavation, human osteology, and the ability to interpret skeleton and dental evidence. On the other hand, physicians usually rely on medical examinations and tests rather than skeletal evidence to ascertain biological sex.
This knowledge and training allows anthropologists to discern specific details about human remains, such as age, sex, race, height, and other skeletal features. While slight, the morphological differences between male and female skeletons - especially in the pelvis and skull areas - can be identified by a trained forensic anthropologist. For physicians, sex determination often relies more on recent, living biological evidence such as DNA or ultrasound imaging, rather than skeletal structures.
Therefore, the answer to the question is (c): anthropologists can often more accurately determine the sex of a skeleton due to their extensive training in skeletal morphology.