Which statement about skull-based sex estimation is NOT accurate?

• A. Pelvic features are always more reliable than skull features
• B. Skull features such as mastoid process size contribute to sex assessment
• C. Supraorbital margins are used
• D. Skull features can provide moderate reliability

Answer: (A)

Sex estimation from the skull uses features in the skull that show some sexual dimorphism, but how reliable those traits are depends on population, preservation, and who is doing the assessment. Pelvic traits are often the most reliable indicators, but they are not guaranteed to be superior in every case. The statement that pelvic features are always more reliable than skull features isn’t accurate because skull traits can be informative and, when multiple skull characteristics are considered together, can yield moderate reliability. For example, mastoid process size contributes to the assessment, and supraorbital margins are commonly used in skull-based methods. Overall, skull features can provide moderate reliability and are a valuable part of a comprehensive sex estimation approach.