How many bones are in the collection? (this number is called the nisp- number of identified specimens.)
which of the bones in the collection belong to the axial skeleton?
which belong to the appendicular skeleton?
what is the maximum number of individuals who could be represented by these bones?
explain your answer. (hint: assume every bone in the collection could be from a different person.) the mni is the minimum number of individuals—the lowest number of individuals needed to account for the bones present.
print out this bone collection worksheetto you calculate the mni. it contains all the bones in the collection: 3 skulls, 6 femora, 4 os coxae, 2 humeri, 2 tibiae, and 5 scapulae.
how many skeletons can you make from the bones in the worksheet?
recreate the skeletons and submit a picture of your skeletons to your instructor with each of the bones labeled.
( hint: multiple bones of the same type can belong to the same individual. for example, one person has two femur bones, one on the right and one on the left.)
why do you think the mni is important when working in a scenario like this?
what do you tell the sheriff?