Final answer:
Forensic anthropology is a sub-field of biological anthropology that uses skeletal analysis in a legal context, identifying victims and causes of death for legal and medical purposes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The sub-field of biological anthropology that applies methods of skeletal analysis to study humans in a legal context is called forensic anthropology. This specialized discipline uses scientific techniques to analyze human remains, with the primary aim of identifying victims and determining causes of death. Forensic anthropologists have been pivotal in cases related to war, disasters, and criminal investigations, providing vital assistance to medical and legal professionals through their deep understanding of human osteology and excavation methods.
Forensic anthropologists work closely with law enforcement and medical experts, often testifying in court about their findings. They contribute significantly to our knowledge of human biology and behavior through the study of past human remains at archaeological sites, underpinning the importance of biological anthropology in a broader social and cultural context.