Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2026

Optimized Bone Sampling Protocols for the Retrieval of Ancient DNA from Archaeological Remains
Published on: November 30, 2021
Simple algorithms for the estimation of the initial number of individuals in commingled skeletal remains
Efthymia Nikita1, Marta M Lahr
1Leverhulme Centre for Human Evolutionary Studies, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QH, UK. efi.nikita@gmail.com
Abstract:
The determination of the number of individuals represented within commingled remains is based on two types of estimators, those assessing the minimum number of individuals and those assessing the most likely number of individuals. Much as the latter produce improved results, they still exhibit significant drawbacks, which are related to the misidentification of the number of pairs between the existing bilateral elements. This article addresses these problems through the use of two computer algorithms. One algorithm produces a number of potential pairs between bilateral elements and the other estimates the number of individuals in a commingled sample by incorporating the percentages of lost and altered bones into the analysis. These algorithms were validated using hypothetical and actual skeletal samples, and are more effective in comparison to any conventional estimators, particularly in cases, where the elements are poorly preserved.
Related Concept Videos
Mechanistic Models: Compartment Models in Algorithms for Numerical Problem Solving
In individual population analyses, different algorithms are employed, such as Cauchy's method, which uses a...
Mechanistic Models: Compartment Models in Individual and Population Analysis
One-Compartment Open Model: Wagner-Nelson and Loo Riegelman Method for ka Estimation
On...
Stratified Sampling Method
To choose a stratified sample, divide the population into groups called strata and then take a...
Bootstrapping
Microbial Growth Measurement: Direct Methods

