What does a biological profile estimate?

A biological profile is a forensic tool that helps forensic scientists and anthropologists analyze skeletal remains to determine key characteristics of an individual. This profile provides estimates of the deceased’s sex, age, stature, and ancestry, which are crucial in identifying the individual.

Sex can often be determined through the pelvic structure and skull features, while age estimation can be based on growth patterns, dental wear, and bone development stages. Stature typically comes from measuring long bones and using established statistical formulas. Ancestry can be inferred through specific skeletal traits that tend to vary among populations.

Other options, such as drug effects on the body, cost of living, or bodybuilding success, do not pertain to the purpose of a biological profile in forensic contexts. These options either relate to entirely different fields or measurements that are not useful in the identification process of skeletal remains. Consequentially, the correct answer focuses on characteristics that can be derived directly from biological evidence, making it relevant for investigations involving unidentified remains.