Sample interview questions: Can you explain the role of a forensic anthropologist in criminal investigations?

Sample answer:

Forensic anthropologists contribute to criminal investigations in various significant ways:

Victim Identification:
– They assist in identifying human remains.
– Forensic anthropologists use techniques like skeletal analysis, dental record comparison, and DNA analysis to identify unknown individuals.

Determining Cause and manner of Death:
– They provide insights into the circumstances surrounding a person’s death.
– Through careful examination of bones and associated evidence, they can determine if death was due to natural causes, accident, homicide, or suicide.
– They analyze trauma patterns on bones to reconstruct the sequence of events leading to death.

Estimation of Post-mortem Interval (PMI):
– They estimate the time since death.
– By examining factors like decomposition patterns, insect activity, and soil conditions, anthropologists can provide valuable information about the PMI, aiding in determining the timeline of events.

Age Estimation:
– They determine the age of individuals, both adults and children.
– This assists investigators in narrowing down the identity of unknown remains or determining the age of a victim when other forms of identification are unavailable.

Trauma Analysis:
– Forensic anthropologists analyze skeletal trauma to determine the cause and manner of death.
– They can identify fractures, dislocations, and other injuries and assess the force and direction of impact.
– This i… Read full answer

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