Forensic Anthropology Practice Exam

Anomaly that changes the bone’s shape or contour is best described as deformative. This term specifically captures alterations in morphology—changes in curvature, angulation, or overall contour that deviate from normal anatomy. For example, bowed or twisted bones from growth disturbances or healed deformities illustrate deformative changes in shape rather than new bone mass, destruction, or failed fusion.

Proliferative would imply new bone formation or increased growth, which isn’t inherently about altering shape in the same way. Lytic denotes bone destruction or resorption, which weakens or breaks down bone rather than simply distorting its form. Non-fusion anomalies refer to failures of bones or sutures to fuse, a developmental issue that is about connectivity rather than broad shape change.