Final answer:
A female pelvis can be identified by its larger subpubic angle, generally greater than 80 degrees, and the rounded or oval shape of the pelvic inlet, which differs from the heart-shaped inlet of the male pelvis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Two Ways to Identify a Female Pelvis
There are distinct characteristics that can help to identify a female pelvis. One key way is by looking at the subpubic angle, which is broader in females, generally greater than 80 degrees, indicating a wider space below the pubic symphysis. Another identifiable feature is the shape of the pelvic inlet, which is more rounded or oval in females, contrasted with the heart-shaped inlet in males. Additionally, the female pelvis is adapted to accommodate childbirth, and thus it has a broader, shallower shape, with a wider and more shallow pelvic cavity than the male pelvis.
These aspects of pelvic anatomy are important because, over generations of evolution, females with these characteristics had greater reproductive success. As a result, these features have been passed down, making them reliable indicators for differentiating between female and male pelves.