Final answer:
A bone left outside for a long period can exhibit various characteristics such as signs of erosion or weathering, loss of density and hardness, brittleness, changes in color, and possible cracks or fractures due to prolonged exposure to elements and lack of mechanical stress.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a bone has been left outside for a long period of time, several characteristics may describe its condition. One potential attribute you might observe is that the bone's epiphysis, the wider section at each end of the bone filled with spongy bone and red marrow, might exhibit signs of erosion or weathering due to exposure to elements such as air and sunlight.
The bone's diaphysis, or shaft, may lose its density due to a lack of mechanical stress, similar to the loss of bone mass experienced by astronauts during long space missions. Over time, the bone might lose its characteristic hardness and become more brittle. Furthermore, characteristics such as changes in color and hardness, as well as cracks or fractures, can indicate the length of exposure.
Additionally, lack of mechanical stress causes bones to lose mineral salts and collagen fibers, hence losing strength. This means the bone may have become weaker and more brittle as compared to a bone not exposed to the elements for a long time.
Learn more about Characteristics of an Exposed Bone