[Interindividual morphologic variability as reason for misinterpretations in forensic osteology exemplified by a rib]

Area of Science:

• Forensic Anthropology
• Archaeology
• Paleontology

Context:

• Excavation of a medieval cesspit yielded numerous non-human bones and a suspicious rib fragment.
• Distinguishing human from animal bone fragments presents significant challenges in forensic investigations.

Purpose:

• To determine the origin of a bone fragment discovered in an archaeological context.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of morphological comparison versus molecular analysis in bone identification.

Summary:

• A rib fragment, initially resembling human bone, was recovered from a medieval cesspit.
• Morphological comparison with human and mammalian ribs, alongside mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis, proved inconclusive initially.
• Ultimately, the fragment was identified as a pig's third left rib, ruling out human origin.

Impact:

• Highlights the difficulties in differentiating human and animal bone fragments, especially in fragmented remains.
• Underscores the importance of comprehensive analysis, combining morphological and, where possible, molecular techniques in forensic anthropology.
• Provides a case study for archaeological and forensic science professionals dealing with complex bone identification scenarios.