What characteristic is typical of a male's mandible shape?

The characteristic that is typical of a male's mandible shape is that it tends to be more square-shaped. Generally, male mandibles are larger and have more pronounced features compared to female mandibles, which often appear more rounded and less robust. This difference in shape is due to the influence of sexual dimorphism, where physical differences between the sexes result in variations in skeletal structures.

A square-shaped mandible in males reflects the robust nature of male mandibles that support stronger muscle attachments for chewing and other functions. These features give males a more defined jawline, which is often associated with masculinity from a biological and evolutionary perspective.

Other shapes mentioned, such as angular or rounded, describe common traits found in female mandibles, which tend to be narrower and more gracile. These differences can provide valuable information in forensic science when determining the sex of skeletal remains.