Biometrics, the measurement and statistical analysis of people’s unique physical and behavioral characteristics, are increasingly utilized in forensic anthropology for identification and analysis purposes.

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Here’s how they’re used:

Facial Recognition: Biometric tools aid in facial recognition by analyzing facial features from skeletal remains or decomposed bodies. This assists in identifying individuals when traditional methods are not feasible.
DNA Analysis: While not strictly biometrics, DNA analysis is a crucial tool in forensic anthropology. It helps in identifying individuals through genetic markers present in bones or tissues, aiding in establishing identity or familial connections.
Age Progression and Regression: Biometric techniques can be used to estimate the age of an individual at the time of death based on skeletal remains. Additionally, they can assist in creating approximations of how an individual might have looked at different ages or stages of life.
Gait Analysis: Biometric tools can analyze an individual’s gait (the way they walk) based on skeletal remains or footprints, potentially aiding in identifying individuals captured in surveillance footage or analyzing tracks found at a crime scene.
Comparative Anthropometry: Biometric methods help in comparing skeletal measurements and proportions, aiding in establishing potential matches between unidentified remains and missing persons.

Biometrics in forensic anthropology offer additional tools for identification and analysis, complementing traditional forensic methods and enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of identifying individuals, particularly in cases where traditional identification methods might be challenging or impossible.