Biological Anthropology of the Human Skeleton

An important resource for those seeking to understand advanced methods of analyses of human skeletal and dental remains from archaeological and forensic contexts 

Now in its third edition, Biological Anthropology of the Human Skeleton has become a key reference for bioarchaeologists, human osteologists, and paleopathologists throughout the world. It builds upon basic skills to provide the foundation for advanced scientific analyses of human skeletal remains framed in appropriate cultural, archaeological, and theoretical contexts.

This new edition features updated coverage of topics including histomorphometry, dental morphology, stable isotope methods, and ancient DNA written by experts from within their respective research fields, as well as a number of new chapters on paleopathology. It also covers bioarchaeological ethics; taphonomy and the nature of archaeological assemblages; biomechanical analyses of archaeological human skeletons; and more.

Fully updated and revised including new chapters and authors Individual chapters prepared by experts in their respective research fields Information provided on context, methods, applications, promises, and pitfalls Features many case studies

Filled with the latest advanced methods and techniques for analyzing skeletal and dental remains from archaeological discoveries, Biological Anthropology of the Human Skeleton is a trusted text for advanced undergraduates, graduate students, and interested professionals in Human Osteology, Bioarchaeology, and Paleopathology. 

PREFACE TO THE THIRD EDITION ix

PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION xi

NOTES ON CONTRIBUTORS xvii

PART I THEORY AND APPLICATION IN STUDIES OF PAST PEOPLES 1

1 Bioarchaeological Ethics: Perspectives on the Use and Value of Human Remains in Scientific Research 3
Patricia Lambert and Phillip L. Walker(deceased)

2 Forensic Anthropology: Methodology and Applications 43
Douglas H. Ubelaker

3 Taphonomy and the Nature of Archaeological Assemblages 73
Ann L.W. Stodder

PART II MORPHOLOGICAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL ANALYSES 117

4 Children in Bioarchaeology: Methods and Interpretations 119
Mary E. Lewis

5 Histomorphometry of Human Cortical Bone: Applications to Age Estimation 145
Timothy P. Gocha, Alexander G. Robling, and Sam D. Stout

6 Biomechanical Analyses of Archaeological Human Skeletons 189
Christopher B. Ruff

7 Incremental Structures in Teeth: Keys to Unlocking and Understanding Dental Growth and Development 225
Daniel Antoine, Charles M. FitzGerald, and Jerome C. Rose

8 Dental Morphology 257
G. Richard Scott and Marin A. Pilloud

PART III PREHISTORIC HEALTH AND DISEASE 293

9 Dental Pathology 295
Simon Hillson

10 Analysis and Interpretation of Trauma in Skeletal Remains 335
Nancy C. Lovell and Anne L. Grauer

11 Understanding Bone Aging, Loss, and Osteoporosis in the Past 385
Sabrina C. Agarwal

12 Infectious and Metabolic Diseases: A Synergistic Relationship 415
Charlotte A. Roberts and Megan Brickley

13 Paleopathology: From Bones to Social Behavior 447
Anne L. Grauer

PART IV CHEMICAL AND GENETIC ANALYSES OF HARD TISSUES 467

14 Stable Isotope Analysis: A Tool for Studying Past Diet, Demography and Life History 469
M. Anne Katzenberg and Andrea L. Waters ]Rist

15 Strontium Isotopes and the Chemistry of Bones and Teeth 505
James Burton and M. Anne Katzenberg

16 Ancient DNA Analysis of Archaeological Remains 515
Maria A. Nieves ]Colon and Anne C. Stone

PART V QUANTITATIVE METHODS AND POPULATION STUDIES 545

17 Traditional Morphometrics and Biological Distance: Methods and an Example 547
Michael Pietrusewsky

18 Paleodemography: Problems, Progress, and Potential 593
George R. Milner, James W. Wood, and Jesper L. Boldsen

Index

M. Anne Katzenberg, Ph.D., is Professor in the Department of Anthropology and Archaeology at the University of Calgary, Canada. She is co–editor of the Journal of Anthropological Archaeology and an associate editor for the International Journal of Paleopathology, as well as being extensively published by co–editing seven contributed books and authoring or co–authoring over seventy journal articles and book chapters.

Anne L. Grauer, Ph.D., is Professor and Chair in the Department of Anthropology at Loyola University Chicago, USA. She is an associate editor for the International Journal of Paleopathology and editor of A Companion to Paleopathology (Wiley Blackwell, 2012).