Genes, Race, Ancestry, and Identity in Forensic Anthropology: Historical Perspectives and Contemporary Concerns

Michael, Amy; Bengtson, Jennifer; Blatt, Samantha H.

doi:10.1089/forensic.2021.0004

Cited by 5 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 25 publications

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“…However, more robust methods have now been developed for identifying ancestry utilizing metric [ 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 ] and non‐metric means [ 20 , 26 , 27 ]. There is currently vigorous debate in the field of forensic anthropology both regarding the appropriate methods for ancestry or population affinity assessment [ 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 ] as well as the validity and utility of this exercise (e.g [ 1 , 34 , 35 ]).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evaluation of the (hu)MANid program for sex and ancestry estimation in a diverse, contemporary CT scan‐based sample

Farhi

Tomas

Marion

et al. 2022

Journal of Forensic Sciences

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Human remains from forensic and bioarcheological contexts are often fragmentary, requiring methods for estimating a forensic profile that are based upon limited skeletal features. In 2017, Berg and Keryhercz created an online application, (hu)MANid, that provides sex and ancestry estimation from mandibular morphoscopic traits and linear measurements. In this study, we examine the utility of the (hu)MANid application in a diverse, urban US adult sample (aged 20–45; n = 143) derived from computed tomography (CT) scans. We secondarily conduct a preliminary analysis of the program's utility in a sample of adolescents (aged 15–17; n = 40). Six morphoscopic, and eleven morphometric traits were recorded as directed by the literature associated with the (hu)MANid program. Percent correct classification and posterior predictive values were calculated for the sex and ancestry estimations output by the program; chi‐squared tests were employed to compare self‐reported and predicted ancestry. In the adult sample, sex was accurately predicted for 75.52% of the sample. Ancestry prediction, however, was less favorable ranging from 19.3% to 50% correct. For the adolescent sample, correct sex estimation (45%) did not surpass what could occur by chance alone, though ancestry prediction fared better than in the larger adult sample (percent correct prediction overall average: 47.5%, range 35.71%–71.43%). The (hu)MANid application shows utility for use with CT scan‐derived adult samples for sex estimation, but caution is warranted for ancestry estimation and use with samples that may not have reached full adult maturity.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evaluation of the (hu)MANid program for sex and ancestry estimation in a diverse, contemporary CT scan‐based sample

Farhi

Tomas

Marion

et al. 2022

Journal of Forensic Sciences

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“…Anthropologists are leading the discussion on how to approach studies of human ancestry. The traits used in the past to categorize peoples are now recognized as evidence for diverse patterns of human variation and that most physical traits do not covary (Benn Torres, 2020; Bethard & DiGangi, 2020; DiGangi & Bethard, 2021; Dunn et al, 2020; Hefner & Spradley, 2018; Lasisi, 2021b; M'charek et al, 2020; Michael et al, 2021; Ross & Williams, 2021; Wagner et al, 2017). Yet much of society still attempts to classify people according to racial typologies for purposes of government and medical standardization.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Trotter collection: A review of Mildred Trotter's hair research and an update for studies of human variation

Koch,

Zaidi,

González

et al. 2024

American Journal of Biological Anthropology

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ObjectivesMildred Trotter was an anatomist and physical anthropologist whose studies on hair morphology, growth, somatic distribution, and trait relationships to age and ethnogeographic population were foundational to the field of microscopical hair analysis. The collection of human hair samples she assembled for her research has been an underutilized resource for studies on human hair variation. We applied updated methods and reviewed Trotter's original data to reassess the relationship hair traits have to diverse population labels.MethodsHair form and pigmentation patterns were measured from a subset of the hair samples accumulated by Trotter and we compared our data to Trotter's original results. Variability in hair traits were tested within individuals, within populations, and among ethnogeographic groups.ResultsMeasured hair cross‐section dimensions and melanosome density and distribution revealed substantial variability within individuals and ethnogeographic populations. Hair traits were found to not be distinctly separable by ancestry but instead showed continuous variation across human populations. Trotter's measurements were precise and the dataset she compiled remains valid, though the conclusions should be reviewed in light of our current understanding of human variation.DiscussionOur findings support moving away from categorical ancestry classifications and eliminating the use of outdated racial typologies in favor of more descriptive trait analysis. Detailed analysis of trait pattern distributions are presented that may be useful for future research on human variation. We point to the need for additional research on human variation and hair trait relationships with reference to known population affinity.

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“…Together with more readily available reference population databases, forensic genomics makes it feasible to draw a range of genetic inferences about biological samples including BGA, EVCs, and lineage information (Kayser & Parson, 2018; Plesivkova et al, 2019; Scudder et al, 2018b). However, there are some ethical and privacy considerations associated with BGA and EVC inference, including the potential for stigmatization in forensic contexts (Michael et al, 2021; Scudder et al, 2018b; Toom et al, 2016; Williams & Wienroth, 2014).…”

Section: Emerging Forensic Profiling Methods For Identificationmentioning

confidence: 99%

An interdisciplinary forensic approach for human remains identification and missing persons investigations

Dahal

McNevin

Chikhani

et al. 2023

WIREs Forensic Science

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The resolution of unidentified human remains (UHR) and long‐term missing persons (LTMP) cases is paramount for administrative, legal, and humanitarian reasons. There are various forensic profiling methods for human identification; however, their utility is dependent on several factors. First, UHR can be found in different stages of decomposition, so the availability and diversity of post‐mortem (PM) information will differ. Second, the availability and totality of the LTMP's ante‐mortem (AM) information will differ. Therefore, the suitability of existing methods will be dependent on the quality and quantity of PM and/or AM data available for comparison. Visual recognition is the simplest and quickest method, but typically not practiced or possible, owing to the altered, fragmented, or skeletonized state of UHR. Primary forensic profiling methods involve the comparison of fingerprint, dental, DNA, and medical data. Secondary forensic profiling methods from anthropology, radiology, geochemistry, and anatomy disciplines can provide supplementary evidence to support comparative identification approaches. Emerging forensic molecular technologies such as genomics, microbiomics, epigenetics, and proteomics, together with individual digital footprints from personal devices, offer new investigative leads for establishing identity. However, despite the success of these individual methods, their limitations must be considered when used in isolation. Through the development of a guiding forensic examination framework, this review endorses an interdisciplinary response to unidentified and missing persons investigations, where various forensic specialists collaboratively examine UHR using a suite of contemporary forensic profiling methods to produce multiple and/or different lines of evidence to link them effectively, efficiently, comprehensively, and systematically to LTMP. This article is categorized under: Forensic Science in Action/Crime Scene Investigation > Special Situations and Investigations Forensic Biology > DNA Testing in Disaster Victim and Missing Persons Identification Forensic Medicine > Medicolegal Death Investigation Systems Jurisprudence and Regulatory Oversight > Interdisciplinary Collaboration

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Genes, Race, Ancestry, and Identity in Forensic Anthropology: Historical Perspectives and Contemporary Concerns

Cited by 5 publications

References 25 publications

Evaluation of the (hu)MANid program for sex and ancestry estimation in a diverse, contemporary CT scan‐based sample

Evaluation of the (hu)MANid program for sex and ancestry estimation in a diverse, contemporary CT scan‐based sample

The Trotter collection: A review of Mildred Trotter's hair research and an update for studies of human variation

An interdisciplinary forensic approach for human remains identification and missing persons investigations

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