Forensic Art Worksheet

NAME:	TEACHER:
Forensic Art Worksheet

1. Since the colour and shape of the softer tissue, such as eyes or lips, is guesswork, why could this give an inaccurate reconstruction for someone living hundreds or thousands of years ago?

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2. Have a good look at the faces of your friends. How would you describe your skull shape? How does it compare with theirs? Outline the steps that a team of experts would have to take to first make an exact replica of your skull, and then build it up to an accurate likeness.

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3. How do you think investigators would choose the colour of eyes or hair, and its shape or curl? What other clues could they use to work this out?

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4. Why was the quality of DNA extracted from mummified remains often so poor that researches could tell nothing from it?

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5. What is the approximate level of accuracy achievable for facial reconstruction from a skull?

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6. What role does a medical illustrator play in forensic work?

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7. If you are an investigator, what would you conclude from the style and items of clothing or jewellery worn by a victim?

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8. What branches of science can be called upon to assist with reconstructing a likeness from human remains?

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9. Outline the differences between two-dimensional and three-dimensional reconstruction techniques.

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10. Was it a good idea for the "Gorky Park" investigator to remove the remaining soft tissue from the skull? Why or why not?

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