Final answer:
The location of pubic symphysis cannot be used to determine the sex of a skeleton. Instead, pelvic features like the shape of the pelvis, subpubic angle, and the size of the pelvic opening are indicative of sex, reflecting the evolutionary adaptations of females for childbirth.
Step-by-step explanation:
All of the following can be used to determine the sex of a skeleton except the location of pubic symphysis. The shape of the pelvis, the subpubic angle, and the size of the pelvic opening are all characteristics that can indicate the sex of a skeleton. The shape of the pelvis is different between males and females, with the female pelvis being wider to adapt for childbirth. This is evidenced by a broader distance between the anterior superior iliac spines and the greater width of the ischial tuberosities, increasing the size of the pelvic outlet.
The subpubic angle is another feature used in sex determination. It is larger in females (greater than 80 degrees) compared to males (less than 70 degrees). Lastly, the size of the pelvic opening is influenced by the overall wider and shorter pelvic cavity in females, necessary for reproductive fitness. Therefore, the location of pubic symphysis is not a reliable factor to determine the sex of a skeleton as it does not have significant sexual dimorphism.