Question

If a long bone found at an archaeological dig contained functional epiphyseal plates, what inference is most accurate?

A) The person had many injuries.
B) The person was a male.
C) The person was prepubertal.
D) The person was elderly.

Answer 1

If a long bone found at an archaeological dig contained functional epiphyseal plates, the most accurate inference would be that the person was prepubertal.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a long bone found at an archaeological dig contained functional epiphyseal plates, the most accurate inference would be that the person was prepubertal.

Epiphyseal plates, also known as growth plates, are found at the ends of long bones and are responsible for bone growth. They are composed of cartilage that gradually ossifies as a person matures. Once the plates have fully ossified, growth stops. Therefore, the presence of functional epiphyseal plates indicates that the person has not yet reached the age at which bone growth stops, suggesting that they are prepubertal.