What could a bioarchaeologist look at to determine the age at death of a mature human skeleton (30 years old)?
A) Tooth eruption patterns
B) Patterns of bone fusion
C) Paleopathologies such as osteoarthritis and enamel hypoplasias
D) Patterns of wear on the pubic symphysis

Question

What could a bioarchaeologist look at to determine the age at death of a mature human skeleton (>30 years old)?
A) Tooth eruption patterns
B) Patterns of bone fusion
C) Paleopathologies such as osteoarthritis and enamel hypoplasias
D) Patterns of wear on the pubic symphysis

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

For mature human skeletons, patterns of wear on the pubic symphysis are a reliable indicator of age at death. This method is based on the changes in the surface and morphology of the pubic symphysis as individuals age.

What Could a Bioarchaeologist Look at to Determine the Age