When a bone of unknown origin is found at a location, forensic implications arise immediately. Is this bone human, and if so, is it evidence of a murder? Human and Non-Human Bone Identification: A Color Atlas presents a comprehensive handbook of photographs and other information essential for law enforcement and forensic anthropologists when examining skeletal remains and determining species and body parts.

Presenting over 3000 color photographs, this atlas is a practical comparative guide to the differences among species for nearly all bones in the body. Useful in either the laboratory or the field, it features images of the types of bones that are most commonly discovered, and provides annotations pointing out salient features.

The book begins with a section on general osteology and explains the major anatomical differences between humans and other animals. It compares human and non-human bones, categorized by type of bone, and includes most of the major bones in humans and non-humans. The third section discusses non-human skeletal elements, categorized by species, and explores numerous skeletal elements within those species.

Introduction

What is Bone?

Overview of Skeletons of Quadrupeds and a Biped

Overview of Skeletal and Dental Growth and Development

Human-Nonhuman Bone Comparisons

Cranium

Mandible

Dentition

Scapula

Humerus

Radius

Ulna

Metacarpals

Vertebrae

Pelvis

Femur

Tibia

Fibula

Metatarsals

Nonhuman Skeletal Elements

Human (Homo Sapiens)

Artiodactyla (10 species)

Perissodactyla (1 species)

Carnivora (11 species)

Rodentia (7 species)

Xenarthra (1 species)

Marsupialia (1 species)

Chiroptera (1 species)

Marine Mammals (1 species)