The Impact of Evolution on Human Skeleton Formation

A study led by researchers from the University of Tübingen has found that comparisons of the structure and shape of certain parts of the human skeleton can provide detailed information about genetic relationships, even when DNA analysis is not possible. The team analyzed large genetic and skeletal datasets and discovered that certain dental and cranial elements were particularly suitable for inferring genetic kinship. This research may be used as a non-destructive alternative in future archaeological and forensic investigations where DNA preservation is poor or destructive sampling is not feasible.