Forensic anthropology in a DNA world: How anthropological methods complement DNA-based identification of human remains

Forensic anthropology involves the application of anthropological and archeological methods to the medicolegal system, with particular focus on recovery, analysis, and identification of human remains. This chapter provides a broad overview of identification methods commonly used in forensic anthropology. Identification methods address issues such as: (1) whether material is skeletal in nature; (2) differentiating human from nonhuman remains; (3) determining whether human remains are medicolegally significant; (4) estimating a biological profile (i.e., sex, ancestry, age, stature); (5) personal identification using radiography; and (6) the use of stable isotopes for predicting the region-of-origin of unidentified remains. Collaboration between forensic anthropologists and DNA experts is essential for resolving medicolegal cases.