What marks the Fourth Era (2000-present)?

• A. The first funding source solely for forensic anthropology research and the establishment of SWGANTH/OSAC, NAS report strengthens forensic science in US.
• B. The invention of CT scanning of bones for anthropological analysis.
• C. The universal adoption of DNA databases for skeletal remains.
• D. The end of military laboratory involvement in forensics.

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is how the field shifts to formalized, standardized practice through dedicated funding and national oversight. The Fourth Era is defined by a move toward organized research support and standardized methods, symbolized by a first funding source dedicated solely to forensic anthropology research and the creation of national standards bodies like SWGANTH and OSAC, along with the NAS report that called for strengthening forensic science in the United States. This combination marks a transition to professionalization, quality assurance, and coordinated national standards across agencies, rather than relying on isolated techniques or broader, non-specific trends. The other options point to earlier or different kinds of changes—CT scanning existed before this era, DNA databases for skeletal remains became widespread in later years, and the idea of military laboratory involvement ending does not reflect the era’s defining shift.