Chapter 16: Postmortem Changes to Bone

This chapter describes postmortem changes that can occur in bones due to the actions of humans or the natural environment. First, dismemberments by cutting through bone are described, including information on how to estimate characteristics of the saw used (e.g., blade width, blade shape, cut direction). Next, animal scavenging is discussed, especially that due to carnivores, but rodent scavenging is also described. This is followed by descriptions of the effect of fire, weathering, burial, and water transport on bone.