Describe in detail one developmental and one degenerative method of Essay

Describe in detail one developmental and one degenerative method of age determination in human skeletal remains. Then Describe i - Essay Example For example, some methods are more relevant to males and some to females. Actually, fforensic biology deals with various methods and techniques used for identification of age and sex of the skeletal remains. On the basis of the modern researches and studies it is evident that currently modern scientists are implementing the most accurate and efficient research methods in their studies. A field of forensic biology is not an exception and both degenerative and developmental methods, as well as their relevant application are considered further on. Part A Developmental method For example, such conditions as arthritis and osteoporosis can be prevalent in old age. Therefore, this type of conditions signifies old age of the remains of the skeleton. The age at death of a skeleton is the key feature in analysis of demographic characteristics of the skeleton. Age of dead individuals can be a key to their life, physical features, health, culture etc. Methods for age determination can depend on environment or a specific region. Widely-known methods, such as those used by Buikstra and Ubelaker’s and other researchers and scientists (1994) are focused on fusion of bone, which is a very important indicator. UK scientists and researchers underline the importance of dentition. Whereas Van der Merwe, Morris, Steyn, Maat underline that a special attention should be paid for fusion and degenerative features. These researchers pay their attention to the efficient and accurate practices and methods of age determination. Researchers and scientists are mainly dependent on microscopic determination of age. Age category determination depends on a certain community and its traditions of age determination. Scheuer and Black (2000) or Brickley and McKinley (2004) and many other modern researchers and scientists were focused on a detailed consideration about developmental osteology which is a very important resource for working and cooperation with infants or juveniles and their skel eton remains. Each skeletal element develops in accordance with its own scenario and each age stage. There are the following appropriate features and characteristics, which can be mentioned: â€Å"The complete fusion of all long-bone epiphyses, the eruption of the third molars, and fusion of the spheno-occipital synchondrosis (basilar suture) are all used as markers of adulthood† (Righter, 2002, p. 43). Developmental characteristics and methods are confirmed, because genetics and evolution can be identified in the process of developmental methods implementation. Bones, teeth and other features, which are appropriate for this method, are less sensitive to the environment. Age can be also determined in accordance with the following methods and techniques implemented: â€Å"For example, union of the mandible at the mandibular symphysis occurs between six and nine months, while development of the tympanic ring and its eventual fusion with the temporal bone, closure of the fontan elles, and fusion of the metopic suture all normally occur around two to three years of age† (Van der Merwe, Morris, Steyn, Maat). Therefore, developmental methods are mainly reliable on skeletal parts, which are less sensitive to the environment and many other external factors. Degenerative method From 20s the age of skeleton remains has been identified basing on the degenerative method. There were some changes in the