Stature Estimation

Stature (height) estimation is another useful tool in anthropology which can determine an approximation of height in an individual. There are many methods available, and we can use the measurements taken in the previous exercise in addition to the formulae below to make these estimations. All figures are in centimeters.

Stature estimation relies on the fact that there is a positive correlation (relationship) between the length of your bones and your total height. Watch CRC's Dr. Gilmore’s video in this week’s module explaining correlation and standard deviation before attempting this exercise. The chart below provides equations to estimate the stature of an individual given knowledge about the length of their bones. To use each, you will first need to have some knowledge of their sex and race*. Locate the appropriate equation based on the bone you measured. You will then enter the length of that bone into the equation to estimate the individuals total height in cm.

*Important Note: Though modern human populations do vary geographically in height and body proportions, "race" is a socially-constructed concept that doesn't reflect biological differences. Forensic anthropologists have long used traits that vary between populations to estimate "race" in an attempt to help law enforcement identify unknown victims of crime. The exercise below showcases a standard approach in forensics, but note that many argue that race should be excluded from forensics entirely. Because race is a social category, it doesn't meaningfully improve stature estimations and its use here perpetuates racism by suggesting that race is real.

Stature Example:

Police have discovered a skeleton of an Asian male. As their resident forensic anthropologist, you measure the femur as 42 cm long. Locate the appropriate regression formula from the chart above. Based on the correlation between femur length and height, you estimate the stature of the individual in life using entering the information into equation like this:

2.15 x (your measurement of 42 cm) + 72.57 = 162.87 cm (the estimated height).

Standard Deviation:

You might have noticed a +/- sign at the end of the regression formulae in the chart above. This number represents the standard error, or what the range of deviation may be from your estimate. The lower the standard error, the more accurate an estimate of stature will be for a particular bone. Some bones are more accurate than others. For example, lower limb bones are generally more accurate than arms with the femur most often being the most accurate.

For the example of the Asian male, this +/- number that indicates a value of 3.80 cm. This means we are 95% certain that the individual has a height between 159.07 and 166.67 cm (our estimate of 162.87 plus 3.80 and 162.87 minus 3.80).

Exercise 4

Stature Estimation

Use your bone measurements from the Eforensics skeleton from Exercise 3 and the formulae from the chart above. We do not know the background of the Eforensics skeleton, so we will explore by varying the sex and “race” of the skeleton and the formulae used to estimate stature. Consider how different equations impact your estimates. Then we will use the standard error associated with each equation to estimate a range of the height of the individual. Show your work and show the calculations on the lab assignment from Canvas.

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