Sex is defined as the either male or female based on reproductive organs possessed by an individual. Genotypes, rather than phenotypes represent the sex of someone. Forensic anthropologists look at a few different morphologies when estimating the sex of a deceased individual. For instance, the size of bones and statures can be a key determinant of sex. In typical biology, “males exhibit larger stature, more robust cranial and facial features, greater muscularity, strength and speed,” than females (Krishan, 2016). This increased size in male skeletal structure is mainly caused by the different effects of differentiation of hormone levels between sexes, rates of growth, and even reaction to disease. Differences in sex related to age, such as menopause with women, can also be examined in bone material and even be disadvantageous to determining sex. Another observation of skeletal makeup that can lead to false conclusions is that juvenile male craniums show more feminine characteristics. For best results in determining the sex of the remains of a dead individual, the person would need to be aged after puberty when he or she passed away. The pelvic bone can be the key to determining sex. Pelvic bones show the reproductive differences between male and female. Forensic anthropologists also look at the lengths of specific body parts, such as fingers, ribs, and sternum. The entire sexing process
Sex is defined as the either male or female based on reproductive organs possessed by an individual. Genotypes, rather than phenotypes represent the sex of someone. Forensic anthropologists look at a few different morphologies when estimating the sex of a deceased individual. For instance, the size of bones and statures can be a key determinant of sex. In typical biology, “males exhibit larger stature, more robust cranial and facial features, greater muscularity, strength and speed,” than females (Krishan, 2016). This increased size in male skeletal structure is mainly caused by the different effects of differentiation of hormone levels between sexes, rates of growth, and even reaction to disease. Differences in sex related to age, such as menopause with women, can also be examined in bone material and even be disadvantageous to determining sex. Another observation of skeletal makeup that can lead to false conclusions is that juvenile male craniums show more feminine characteristics. For best results in determining the sex of the remains of a dead individual, the person would need to be aged after puberty when he or she passed away. The pelvic bone can be the key to determining sex. Pelvic bones show the reproductive differences between male and female. Forensic anthropologists also look at the lengths of specific body parts, such as fingers, ribs, and sternum. The entire sexing process