Final answer:
Forensic anthropologists use bones, skull structure, and DNA analysis to determine ancestry, with mtDNA being particularly useful for maternal lineage. The Kennewick Man exemplifies debates between scientific research and indigenous claims to ancient remains.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine ancestry, various bones and skeletal features can be analyzed. Forensic anthropologists and archaeologists often rely on the structure of the skull, dental patterns, and DNA from bones to make determinations about an individual's ancestry. Moreover, the occipital bun, a trait seen in Neanderthals, and postcranial features provide clues about ancient human relatives and their migrations. In some cases, societal patterns of descent such as bilateral descent, in which kinship is traced through both parents, help contextualize genetic findings within cultural practices. Genetic anthropology combines DNA analysis with other evidence to reveal history and migration patterns.
For example, the DNA in the mitochondria (mtDNA) can reveal maternal ancestry since it is passed down virtually unchanged from mother to child. Furthermore, discoveries like the Kennewick Man, a 9,000-year-old set of human remains, raise discussions regarding ancestral claims and cultural heritage, illustrating the intersection between scientific inquiry and indigenous rights.