Bone Measurement

The measurement of bones to compare size and shape between different individuals. The dimensions of skeletal structures can be taken using a variety of calipers and other measuring equipment. Multivariate analysis is one method of comparison which helps to identify and distinguish bones by species and sex and for studying the genetics of groups of animals. Much work has been done in human skull measurement to investigate genetic relationships of ancient populations.

Dimensions of skeletal structures can be taken using a variety of calipers and other measuring equipment. The aim of such work is to compare the size and shape of bones between many different individuals. This is done by statistical methods, nowadays using multivariate analysis to compare many measurements at once. Comparisons of this kind can help in identifying bones (for example in distinguishing sheep from GOAT), in sex determination and in studying the genetics of groups of animals. Much work has been carried out with human skull measurements to investigate the genetical relationships of ancient populations.