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The identity of the sex of skeletal remains is best made using the _____.

a) sternum
b) cranium
c) pelvis
d) femur

User Nadavgam
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2 Answers

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Hi there!!

In anthropology in regards to looking at the skeletal system, you will usually look at two principle bones to gather information about possible gender, weight, race, age, etc... the Cranium or the skull is usually used to figure out race (by looking at zygoma, orbit shape) or age (you would look at the sutures in the skull, as they fuse over time). You can even gather if a person is female or male. However there is one other bone that can help us with identifying information.

The pelvis is a collection of pelvic bones, that are the most accepted and common way of identifying gender. Usually in females the sub-pelvic angle is more acute and is larger in order to allow for one purpose; Childbirth. In men it’s smaller, as we are incapable of giving birth.

Thank you, have a wonderful day
User Sang Suantak
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This is a tricky question, several are used for it. But, even when just a skull is found, they can still determine the gender. B, cranium is the answer
User Chrysanthos
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