1. Necropolis 2011 Session 5
Kevin Woestman

2. Sexual Dimorphism
More evident in adults.
Sexual Hormones kick in during puberty leading to
secondary sexual characteristics evident in skeletal remains
Based on:
Morphology: size difference
Function related differences

3. Morphology

 Males generally bigger, more robust.
 Females generally smaller, more gracile
 But varies within populations and between
populations

4. Most Important

 Pelvis and Skull
 Pelvis: Accuracy generally 95%
 Skull: 90%
 With Both: 98%

5. Skull

Supraorbital Ridge: More
pronounced in Males
Orbits: Males squarish with
roundish margins whereas Females
roundish with sharp margins.
Zygomatic: More pronounced in
males, robust, extends beyond
external auditory meatus

6. Skull Cont’d

Mastoid Proces: Larger and
blunt in males, smaller and
pointier in females
Mandible: Males are square
whereas females are more
pointed.
Nuchal Crest: Males come to a
point, almost a hook whereas
females are smooth.

7. Pelvis

Most sexually dimorphic
region of the skeleton
Obturater Foramen: Heartshaped in
males, larger, more circular in females
for birthing.
Sacrum: Long and narrow in males
but short and wide in females

8. Pelvis cont’d

Body of Pubis: Triangular in
males, more
quadrangular, squarish in
females.
Subpubic Angle: > 90 degrees
in females, <90 degrees in
males.
Greater Sciatic Notch: Broad
and Shallow in females, deep
and narrow in males.