Differentiation should focus on the following:
- Pelvis—wider in females
- Skull—jaw is rounder in females, squarer in males; males also have a larger mastoid process, temporal line, supra-orbital border, and the nuchal crest is rough and bumpy
- Long bones—longer in males
Process/Skill Questions:
- Why are the bones of the skull and pelvis so significant in determining whether a skeleton is male or female?
- What kinds of physical activity can affect the appearance of bones of the body?
- Why are male bones rougher and bumpier?