Final answer:
The age of a skull can be determined by examining the fusion of sutures. Complete fusion of the lambdoidal and sagittal sutures indicates advanced age, while partial fusion of the coronal suture suggests a younger age.
Step-by-step explanation:
The age of the skull can be determined by examining the fusion of the sutures. In an adult skull, when the lambdoidal and sagittal sutures are completely fused, it indicates advanced age. This fusion occurs as the bones of the skull ossify and fuse together, gradually disappearing the suture lines.
On the other hand, if the coronal suture is partially fused, it suggests a younger age. The coronal suture runs from side to side across the skull, joining the frontal bone to the right and left parietal bones. Partial fusion of the coronal suture indicates that the skull is still growing and developing.