Part 2 (200 words or more) Byers (2011) describes how forensic anthropologists can assist in historical cases (pre-1900 for this Discussion) by reexamining human remains to answer questions about identity, relatedness, and cause of death.
Find and describe one such case for classmates. For example, did you know that Benjamin Franklin's basement was literally full of skeletons? Why? Take a look at this article. Also, in 1940 remains were recovered on Nikumaroro Island which some believe could be the remains of Amelia Earhart. Initial research indicated that the remains were male, but with advancing techniques, it is believed that the initial interpretations could be flawed. Take a look at this journal article. Don't use these examples, but rather search for your own. Here is a link to the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History's page regarding forensic cases that might give you some good examples. Remember, use Historical Cases (Pre-1900) only in this discussion. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/starving-settlers-in-jamestown-colony-resorted-to-cannibalism-46000815/
Include this information in your post:
- Summarize the case and its historical significance.
- Describe why a forensic anthropologist was needed and what evidence the forensic anthropologist evaluated.
- Discuss the impact of the new research. Was this an important question? Who benefited from the new analyses?
Steadman, D. W. (2015). Hard Evidence: Case Studies in Forensic Anthropology (D. W. Steadman, Ed.; 2nd edition.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315664057