Forensic anthropology and osteology are closely related fields, but they serve different purposes and applications.
Forensic anthropology is the application of the science of physical anthropology and human osteology in a legal setting. It involves the identification of human remains, determining the age, sex, ancestry, and stature of skeletons, and analyzing trauma and pathology to assist in legal investigations. Forensic anthropologists often work with law enforcement and legal professionals to provide expertise in solving crimes, particularly in cases of unidentified remains or when foul play is suspected.
On the other hand, osteology is the study of bones, and it encompasses a broader range of subjects, including the biological and physical characteristics of bones, their development, and their function in the living organism. Osteologists may conduct research on prehistoric human remains, animal bones, or pathological conditions impacting the skeletal system. Their work is not limited to legal contexts and can involve various applications in fields like archaeology, anthropology, and biology.
In essence, while both forensic anthropology and osteology focus on bones, forensic anthropology is specifically concerned with the legal implications and the identification of human remains in forensic contexts, whereas osteology is a general study of bone structure and function across different species and circumstances.