Comparative morphometric study for distinguishing between human and non-human mammalian (cow, dog, horse, monkey and pig) long bones
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Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine whether bone morphometry analysis (morphometric index measurements and angular measurements) on long bones would be robust enough of a technique to distinguish between humans and animals (cow, dog, horse, monkey, and pig). The complete long bones utilized in this study were composed of humerus, femur and tibia. Bones from 14 human skeletons and 2-10 skeletons from each mammal species were used in this study. A total of 33 measurements were generated (16 morphometric index and 17 angular measurement). The 16 morphometric index measurements were performed as bone measurements by a classic osteometric method using osteometric board and vernier caliper and then calculated as morphometric indexes. The 17 angular measurements were performed by bone photographs and then calculated the angles by using the Image J program. 18 out of 33 measurements demonstrated a significant difference (p<0.05) between human and non-human mammals. Overall, the difference in results between human and non-human mammal bone morphometry may be associated with the difference of bone functions among these species due to the biomechanics of the bipedal and quadrupedal. In conclusion, morphometric measurements of long bones has the potential for use in distinguishing human bones from cow, dog, horse, monkey, and pig species.
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