Final answer:
The development of Forensic Anthropology was driven by the need to investigate complex cases involving human remains, particularly when the cause of death extends beyond the scope of traditional medical and legal examinations. This field has been instrumental in crime scene investigations as well as historical events, such as the analysis of remains from the Jamestown colony which supported historical accounts of cannibalism during a period of severe starvation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The impetus for the development of Forensic Anthropology arose out of the need to solve complex cases involving human remains, where standard medical and legal expertise on the cause of death was insufficient. This field of study applies the methods of biological anthropology to analyze and identify human remains, thereby assisting in criminal investigations and historical inquiries. One historical example of forensic anthropology at work involves the discovery of a skull with cut marks at the Jamestown colony. Upon examination by forensic anthropologist Douglas Owsley, it was concluded that the skull belonged to a 14-year-old girl who had been cannibalized, a finding that aligned with historical accounts of extreme starvation at the colony.
Forensic anthropologists work closely with law enforcement and medical experts in various specialties such as toxicology and ballistics. By examining skeletal remains, they can provide valuable information on the age, sex, race, and stature of the deceased, along with other details that contribute to uncovering the narrative of a crime or historical event. Their contributions have been crucial in cases ranging from World War II identifications to more recent disasters like the Thailand tsunami of 2004 and the September 11 attacks.