Final answer:
False. The most reliable method of sexing a skeleton is through the pelvis, not the skull. Sexual dimorphism is evident in the pelvic structure, with differences between males and females due to reproductive functions. Bones also produce hormones and participate in other body processes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the most reliable method of sexing a skeleton is using the skull is False. While the skull can provide some indicators of sex, the pelvis is considered to be the most reliable skeletal element for determining the sex of a skeleton, due to its morphological differences between males and females connected to childbirth. Sexual dimorphism in the human skeleton is notably present in the pelvic structure, with females typically having a wider pelvis and a larger pelvic inlet. On the other hand, males usually have a more narrow pelvic bone. Additionally, bone tissue is living tissue, containing cells that contribute to growth and repair. Hence, bones are dynamic components that can influence processes throughout the body. While bones provide a structural framework for muscles to attach, it is not the bone cells that contract to initiate movement but rather the muscles themselves. Finally, it is essential to acknowledge that bones are dynamic structures that can produce hormones such as osteocalcin, and are involved in processes like mineral storage and blood cell production.