Forensic Anthropology Questions Set-1

Q1. Which early forensic anthropologist is known for his work on establishing standards for age estimation using skeletal remains?

a.       T. Dale Stewart

b.      William R. Maples

c.       Douglas H. Ubelaker

d.      Clyde Snow

ANSWER:

a.       T. Dale Stewart

EXPLANATION:

T. Dale Stewart, an American physical anthropologist, made significant contributions to the field of forensic anthropology, including the establishment of standards for age estimation using skeletal remains. His research laid the foundation for modern age estimation techniques

Q2. Which formula is used for estimating stature based on the length of the humerus?

a.       Pearson’s formula

b.      Giles and Elliot’s formula

c.       Trotter and Gleser’s formula

d.      Martin and Saller’s formula

ANSWER:

a.       Pearson’s formula

EXPLANATION:

Pearson's formula is used for estimating stature based on the length of the humerus. It is one of the methods employed in forensic anthropology to predict stature from long bone measurements. 

Q3. Which formula is used for estimating age at death in adults based on changes in pubic symphysis morphology?

a.      Brooks’ Method

b.      Suchey-Brooks method

c.       Todd’s method

d.      Iscan’s method

ANSWER:

d. Iscan’s method

EXPLANATION:

İşcan's method, also known as the "pubic symphysis method," is used for estimating age at death in adults based on changes in pubic symphysis morphology. It involves scoring the appearance of various morphological features of the pubic symphysis.

Q4. Who is considered the "Father of Forensic Anthropology"?

a.      Thomas Dwight

b.      Thomas H. Huxley

c.       Wilton Krogman

d.      George Dorsey

ANSWER:

a.       Thomas Dwight

EXPLANATION:

Thomas Dwight, an American anatomist and forensic scientist, is often regarded as the "Father of Forensic Anthropology" for his pioneering work in applying anatomical principles to forensic investigations in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Q5. Which of the following features is typically larger in male skulls compared to female skulls?

a.      Occipital protuberance

b.      Mastoid process

c.       Supraorbital ridge

d.      Mental foramen

ANSWER:

b.      Mastoid process

 EXPLANATION:

The mastoid process, located behind the ear, tends to be larger and more prominent in male skulls compared to female skulls. It serves as an attachment site for neck muscles.

Q6. Which suture fusion is commonly used to differentiate between infants and older individuals?

a.      Lambdoid suture

b.      Sagittal suture

c.       Metopic suture

d.      Squamosal suture

ANSWER:

c.       Metopic suture

EXPLANATION:

The metopic suture is commonly used to differentiate between infants and older individuals, as its presence in infants and fusion in older individuals can aid in age estimation.

Q7. What is the primary advantage of using dental characteristics in forensic anthropology?

a.      They are resistant to environmental changes

b.      They provide information on sex

c.       They can determine cause of death

d.      They are highly heritable

ANSWER:

a.       They are resistant to environmental changes

EXPLANATION:

Dental characteristics, such as dental morphology and dental wear patterns, are often well-preserved and resistant to environmental changes, making them valuable for forensic identification.

Q8. Which skeletal feature is least useful in determining an individual's ancestry?

a.      Nasal index

b.      Cranial shape

c.       Femur length

d.      Pelvic structure

ANSWER:

c. Femur length

EXPLANATION:

Femur length is primarily used in estimating stature rather than ancestry determination.

Q9. Assertion A: The pubic symphysis undergoes specific changes with age, making it useful for estimating an individual's age at death
Reason R: Even after soft tissues decompose, skeletal changes such as coloration, texture, and presence of insects can provide clues about the postmortem interval and the level of decomposition.

a.      Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A

b.      Both A and R are correct but R is NOT the correct explanation of A

c.       A is correct but R is not correct

d.      A is not correct but R is correct

ANSWER:

a.       Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of a

EXPLANATION:

Skeletal changes associated with decomposition, such as discoloration, surface modification, and damage caused by scavengers, can help forensic anthropologists estimate the postmortem interval and the stage of decomposition. Additionally, the presence of insects, such as blowfly larvae, on skeletal remains can further aid in determining the time since death.

Q10. Assertion A: Forensic anthropologists can identify individuals through cranial superimposition, comparing ante-mortem and post-mortem radiographs of the skull.
Reason R: Cranial superimposition allows for the comparison of unique features and characteristics present in both ante-mortem and post-mortem radiographs, facilitating positive identification.

a.      Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A

b.        Both A and R are correct but R is NOT the correct explanation of A

c.       A is correct but R is not correct

d.      A is not correct but R is correct

ANSWER:

a.       Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A

EXPLANATION:

Cranial superimposition involves overlaying ante-mortem (pre-death) and post-mortem (post-death) radiographs of the skull to identify potential matches based on unique anatomical features. By aligning corresponding structures and assessing similarities, forensic anthropologists can determine whether the remains belong to a specific individual, aiding in forensic identification efforts.

Content creator:- Bhawana Sharma