Final answer:
Forensic anthropologists primarily try to establish the identity of the victim and the circumstances of their death. They are integral to criminal investigations, providing crucial information such as age, sex, race, and stature of the victims to forensic pathologists, who then determine the cause of death.
Step-by-step explanation:
The two main questions that forensic anthropologists try to answer about a victim are: Who was the victim? and What were the circumstances surrounding their death? Through meticulous analysis of human remains, forensic anthropologists deduce vital information such as age, sex, and any notable features that can help in identifying the deceased. They evaluate the forms of bodily trauma, patterns of blood, bullets, and other context-specific clues to piece together the narrative of a crime. Alongside other experts, such as law enforcement officers and medical specialists, forensic anthropologists take part in investigative teams and often serve as crucial witnesses in legal proceedings.
Forensic anthropology differs from other branches of biological anthropology as it specifically addresses cases involving individual death scenes, often related to crimes, accidents, or unexplained circumstances. Dating back to World War II, this field has evolved to play a critical role in identifying victims of disasters and historic events. They also serve in medical examiners' offices, conducting autopsies and skeletal examinations.
When providing evidence, a forensic anthropologist first confirms that the remains are human, then proceeds to estimate the decedent's age, sex, race, and stature. Although they do not directly determine the cause of death, the information they provide is fundamental to forensic pathologists in making conclusive determinations.