Life expectancy derived from skeletal samples depends on the assumption of mean age at death being approximately equivalent to life expectancy at birth.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Life expectancy derived from skeletal samples is based on the assumption that mean age at death is approximately equivalent to life expectancy at birth. This assumption is necessary because complete life tables are not available for earlier time periods, and so life expectancy had to be estimated based on incomplete information. However, it is important to note that this assumption may not hold true in all cases, and that caution should be exercised when interpreting results derived from skeletal samples.

Life Expectancy Derived from Skeletal Samples Depends on the Assumption