Final answer:
Forensic anthropology uses biological anthropology techniques to analyze human remains and provide information about the nature of a crime and the people involved. They help approximate an individual's age, sex, race, and height, but do not determine the cause of death. Forensic anthropologists work on investigative teams and may present their findings as witnesses in murder trials.
Step-by-step explanation:
Forensic anthropology uses the techniques of biological anthropology to solve crimes. By analyzing human remains such as decomposed bodies or skeletons, or tissue samples such as skin or hair, forensic anthropologists discern what they can about the nature of a crime and the people involved. Key questions are who died, how they died, and how long ago they died.
Once the remains have been identified as belonging to a person and not to an animal, the next step is to approximate the individual's age, sex, race, and height. The forensic anthropologist does not determine the cause of death, but rather provides information to the forensic pathologist, who will use all of the data collected to make a final determination regarding the cause of death.
Forensic anthropologists often work on investigative teams with law enforcement officers and medical experts in ballistics, toxicology, and other specialties. Additionally, they often present their findings as witnesses in murder trials.