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Evaluation of morphological sex determinations by molecular analyses
S Hummel1, B Bramanti, T Finke
1Institute of Zoology and Anthropology, University of Göttingen. shummel1@gwdg.de
Summary
This study validated morphological sex determination in skeletal remains using genetic analysis. High accuracy was achieved, especially with unambiguous assessments, improving forensic anthropology methods.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Anthropology
- Bioarchaeology
- Human Osteology
Background:
- Morphological sex determination from skeletal remains is crucial in forensic anthropology and bioarchaeology.
- Genetic analysis, specifically of the amelogenin gene (AMEL), provides a definitive sex determination criterion.
- Evaluating the accuracy of traditional morphological methods against genetic data is essential for refining techniques.
Observation:
- The study analyzed 33 adult human skeletons from an early modern Lower Saxony burial site.
- Morphological sex estimations were compared with genetic sex determination using the amelogenin gene.
- Self-evaluation of morphological determination clarity was incorporated to assess its impact on accuracy.
Findings:
- 88% of morphological sex determinations accurately matched genetic sex in the studied skeletal series.
- Accuracy increased when only unambiguous morphological assessments were considered.
- Ambiguous morphological determinations led to a significant rate of discordance (33%) with genetic sex.
Implications:
- Unambiguous morphological assessments significantly enhance the reliability of sex determination in skeletal analysis.
- The study highlights the importance of self-assessment in morphological evaluations for improved accuracy.
- Cranial morphology may play a more significant role than pelvic morphology in sex determination within this specific population, warranting further investigation.