Final answer:
The pelvis and skull provide the clearest clues for determining sex, with the pelvis being the most reliable. The female pelvis has a broader shape and wider angle suitable for childbirth, while the male pelvis is narrower and more robust. The skull and other bones can offer supporting information but are less definitive.
Step-by-step explanation:
Bones that Provide Clues for Determining Sex
The pelvis is especially useful for determining sex as the adult male and female pelves have distinct characteristics tailored to their functions. The female pelvis is generally broader with a wider subpubic angle, rounder pelvic inlet, and less pronounced skeletal markers. The male pelvis, in contrast, is narrower and adapted for supporting a denser musculature.
The skull can also offer clues to sex, with males typically having more pronounced brow ridges, squarer jaws, and overall heavier bone structure. However, predicting sex based on the skull alone is less reliable than using the pelvis.
Other bones like the femur and clavicle are less indicative for sex determination, but they can offer supporting information when combined with other skeletal evidence. The femur, for example, can reflect the overall robustness of the skeleton, which is generally greater in males. The clavicle may offer some clues due to its relative size regarding muscle attachment areas, but these are minor compared to the pelvis and skull.