Individualizing characteristics

Question 1

cultural factors in personal identity

Answer 1

• group affiliation
• socioeconomic factors
• religious denomination

Question 2

biological factors

Answer 2

• demographic characteristics (sex, age, etc.)
• idiosyncratic factors
• unique life history (broken bones, surgical implants)

Question 3

idiosyncratic biochemistry

Answer 3

• DNA
• can be extracted from the bone
• doesn’t usually work with bone that is fossilized, cremated, or lacking organic material
• robust cortical bone works best (femur)
• teeth are not as good for DNA (contamination)

Question 4

morphology

Answer 4

• anatomical structures that vary in size and morphology
• skeletal elements with anomalies
• missing or extra skeletal elements

Question 5

frontal sinuses

Answer 5

• exhibit extreme variation
• found in 95% of people
• pattern is stable in adulthood and is unique

Question 6

mandibular tori

Answer 6

• skeletal anomaly

- excess bone in the mouth, found on the jaw

Question 7

sternal foramen

Answer 7

-hole at the bottom of sternum

Question 8

what are some unique life markers?

Answer 8

• broken bones
• pathology
• dental work
• surgical/artificial devices