Introduction to Forensic Anthropology Age Activity
Estimation of Age Activity
The analytical stage of forensic anthropology involves answering questions that lead to identification of
the individual whose remains are being examined. The questions asked in developing a biological or
demographic profile for an individual include the following:
? What is the ancestry of the individual?
? What is the sex of the individual?
? What is the age of the individual?
? What is the stature of the individual?
? What pathologies did the individual have?
? What traumas did the individual have?
The methods used to estimate age depend on the relative age of the individual. Developmental traits
used to estimate the age of subadults include tooth eruption and epiphyseal union. In addition to
fusion of the medial clavicle epiphysis and the cranial sutures, adult ages are estimated using
degenerative traits such as changes in the morphology of the pubic symphysis and auricular surface of
the ilium, changes in the morphology of the sternal ends of the ribs, cranial suture morphology, dental
attrition or wear of occlusional surfaces, bone reobsorption, osteon counting, and joint degeneration.
Because developmental traits develop more regularly and consistently than degenerative traits, age
estimates for sub-adults tend to be more accurate and within a smaller range of error than age
estimates for adults and the elderly. However, if you remember from your previous activities, identifying
sex and attributing ancestry are difficult in sub-adult remains; therefore there is a trade-off in identifying
demographic characteristics.
Although anthropologists have gained a good idea about the general stages of age changes in the
skeletal system that hold true for the most part, there are numerous factors that accelerate or
decelerate the process, including nutrition and lifestyle. This can result in unexpected morphologic
manifestations that may cause errors in age estimation – so an estimate may suggest degenerative age
and not chronological age. In addition, race and sex differences must always be considered in age
estimation standards and decisions (Siegel, et al. 2000).
As with sex estimation, the more indicators used to determine age, the more accurate the results.
However, a forensic anthropologist is analytically limited by the bones present and their condition. Age
estimates are usually given as a range, such as 23-32 years, or with a range of error, such as 12 ± 2.5
years.
For this activity, we will be examining four of the methods used to age adult individuals – these are
based on degeneration of bone. The methods used to age sub-adults examine the stages of
development, such as dental eruption and epiphyseal union. Remember, this activity for age estimation
does not cover all skeletal indicators of age, but it will give you a good idea of how a forensic
anthropologist estimates the age of an individual using the bones.
Introduction to Forensic Anthropology Week 7 Activity
Assignment: Estimation of Age
Compare the elements identified in the specimens below, representing four different individuals, to
the known pelvic bones, ribs and skulls in the reference materials. Based on the ageing methods,
estimate the age
Elements often exhibit characteristics of more than one phase. In these cases, assign phase group to the
phase that has a majority of traits; however, broaden your age range to incorporate both phases.
Zoom in the document if you want a closer look at a particular feature. You may have to look at multiple
images to identify a trait.
Refer to the charactersitics in the Actvity Reference Materials and your textbook for help.
Introduction to Forensic Anthropology Week 7 Activity
Part I. Pelvis
One of the best bones to estimate age in an adult is the pelvis. Many changes can be observed on the
face of the pubic symphysis and the auricular surface of the ilium.
The surface morphology of the pubic symphysis changes with age. The pubic symphysis is regular,
raised and “billowy” with an indistinct margin in youth and irregular and depressed with a more distinct
margin in old age. The morphological transformation of the pubic symphysis follows a pattern that is
divided up into phases.
The auricular surface is the irregular, L-shaped articular surface on the medial aspect of the ilium that
articulates with the sacrum. Statistical analysis showed that the age-related changes in auricular surface
are not significantly different for males and females.
Pubic Symphysis – Female
Figure 1: Anterior view of pubic symphysis – Note: Right pubis on left side of image
ANTH 310 Introduction to Forensic Anthropology Week 7 Activity
Suchey-Brooks Method
Suchey and Brooks (Suchey and Brooks 1990) identified 6 phases of pubic symphysis morphology for
males and females (each sex aging differently) and determined the average ages associated with each
phase. We will use the figures in the textbook to estimate age (mean and standard deviation) based on
the pubic symphysis.
Questions: Using the Suchey-Brooks method for the appropriate sex, what is the phase of pubic
symphysis morphology for the figure above? What is the age range estimate for this individual?
Pubic Symphysis
(Suchey-Brooks)
Left (describe the appearance of the element) Phase: Age Range:
Right (describe the appearance of the element) Phase: Age Range:
Comments/
Observations:
Questions: Using the Todd method for the appropriate sex, what is the phase of pubic symphysis
morphology for the figure above? What is the age range estimate for this individual?
Pubic Symphysis
(Todd)
Left (describe the appearance of the element) Phase: Age Range:
Right (describe the appearance of the element) Phase: Age Range:
Comments/
Observations:
ANTH 310 Introduction to Forensic Anthropology Week 7 Activity
Pubic Symphysis Results
Questions: Identify the age range that is most appropriate. Why did you select that range? Which
method do you think was better and why? Is it better to have a wider or narrower range?
Auricular Surface – Male
Lovejoy developed a method by which age at death can be estimated by examining morphological
features of the illium. A phase system was created based on the modal morphological condition for
each age group. The age estimation is based on metamorphosis of the auricular surface, i.e. seriation.
ANTH 310 Introduction to Forensic Anthropology Week 7 Activity
Figure 2: Male Auricular Surface (Left). All rights reserved by carl.feagans
Figure 3: Male Auricular Surface (right). All rights reserved by carl.feagans
ANTH 310 Introduction to Forensic Anthropology Week 7 Activity
Questions: Using the method for estimating age based on changes to the auricular surface, what is the
phase of auricular surface morphology for the figures above? What is the age range estimate for this
individual?
Auricular Surface
(Lovejoy, et al 1985)
Left (description) Phase: Age Range:
Right (description) Phase: Age Range:
Comments:
Auricular Surface Results
Questions: Identify the age range that is most appropriate. Why did you select that range?
ANTH 310 Introduction to Forensic Anthropology Week 7 Activity
Part II. Sternal Rib Changes
Iscan and Loth (Bass 1984:135-142) have developed a system of age estimation based on sequential
changes at the sternal end of the fourth rib. These changes are similar to those that occur on the pubic
symphyseal face. They are of a specific morphological nature and occur on the costochondral joint between
the rib and sternum. The authors consider that these phases are not as subject to variation due to sex,
pregnancy and activity patterns as is the pubic symphyseal face. See Bass (1984: 135-142) for photos of
Iscan and Loth’s phases, with the general progression illustrated as an increase in the depth of the articular
depression and the degenerative fragmentation, thinning and increased porosity at the edges of the
articular surface over time.
On the answer sheet, use the highlight function to highlight all the sternal characteristics that you
observe on the rib. Then estimate age (and why) in the space following Figure 4.
Figure 4 Sternal Rib End of Male
Age Range Surface Bone Surface Contour Rim Edge Rim Contour
19 and under Smooth Flat/indented with
billows Rounded Regular to slightly
wavy
20-29 Smooth to porous Indented; U- to Vshaped
Rounded Wavy to irregular
30-39 More porous V- to U- shaped Sharp Irregular
40-49 More porous U-shaped with flaring Sharp Irregular with
projections
50-59 Light and porous U-shaped and deeper Sharp Irregular with
projections
60-69 Light and porous U-shaped and deeper Sharp Irregular with
projections
70+ Deteriorating U-shaped Sharp with thin
walls
Irregular with
projections (some
with windows)
ANTH 310 Introduction to Forensic Anthropology Week 7 Activity
Part III. Cranial Suture Closure
This method bases age upon the degree of closure, union or ossification of the cranial sutures. These
methods have until recently been considered inaccurate, but Meindel and Lovejoy (1985) have
introduced new evidence to indicate that parietal ectocranial sutures are reliable indicators of age over
40 years. The measurement sites are marked on the cranium diagram below.
The measurements are recorded using a Cranial Suture Closure Score, as indicated above. The scores are
then used to determine the Stage of suture closure (in the table below).
Vault Composite
Score
Stage Lateral Composite
Score
Stage
1-2 S1 1 S1
3-6 S2 2 S2
7-11 S3 3-5 S3
12-15 S4 6 S4
16-18 S5 7-8 S5
19-20 S6 9-10 S6
11-14 S7
O= Open
1= Minimal (1-50%)
2= Significant (51%-not complete)
3= Complete
ANTH 310 Introduction to Forensic Anthropology Week 7 Activity
Cranium 1
Using the suture closure scale (see above), score each of the 10 sites (in the two color cranium
photographs below) for the degree of closure – observe a 1-centimeter area around each point. Add
together to obtain composite score; then use the table above to determine stage (S1-S6). Compare that
stage with the chart showing the relationship between closure scores and age (consult the age reference
materials provided).
Note:
? FOR MALES: 32 is the oldest you can be and still have open sutures; 26 is the youngest you can
be and have closed sutures.
? FOR FEMALES: 35 is the oldest you can be and still have open sutures; 29 is the youngest you
can be and have closed sutures.
ANTH 310 Introduction to Forensic Anthropology Week 7 Activity
ANTH 310 Introduction to Forensic Anthropology Week 7 Activity
Cranial Suture Closure (Meindl and Lovejoy 1985)
Vault (description) Composite Score: Stage:
Point 1:
Point 2:
Point 3:
Point 4:
Point 5:
Point 6:
Lateral-anterior (description) Composite Score Stage
Point 6:
Point 7:
Point 8:
Point 9:
Point 10:
Age Ranges: _________________
Cranium 1 Results
Discuss the results of your analysis below.
ANTH 310 Introduction to Forensic Anthropology Week 7 Activity
Part IV. Final Assessment
Briefly write your conclusion (minimum 300 words) on the four methods used to estimate age. Which method
did you think was more accurate? And why? What are some drawbacks? Offer examples.
REFERENCES CITED
Byers, Steven (2011) Introduction to Forensic Anthropology (4th ed). Prentice Hall.
France, D. L. (2003) Lab Manual and Workbook for Physical Anthropology (5th ed.). West / Wadsworth.
Meindl, R, C. Lovejoy, and R. Mensforth. (1985). “Skeletal Age at Death: Accuracy of Age Determination
and Implications for Human Demography”, Human Biology 55:73-87.
Pickering, Robert B. and David Bachman (2009). The Use of Forensic Anthropology. CRC Press.
Siegel, Jay A. , Geoffrey C. Knupfer, Pekka J Saukko (2000). Encyclopedia of Forensic Sciences, Vol.1.
Academic Press.
ANTH 310 Introduction to Forensic Anthropology Week 7 Activity
Thompson, Tim and Sue Black (2006). Forensic Human Identification. CRC Press.
Todd, T.W. 1920 Age changes in the pubic bone: I. The white male pubis. American Journal of Physical
Anthropology, 3: 467-470.
White, T. D. (1991) Human Osteology. Academic Press.
