Mudslide and/or animal attack are more plausible causes and circumstances of death for AL 288 ('Lucy'): A forensic anthropology analysis. (September 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Charlier, Phillippe; Coppens, Yves; Augias, Anaïs; Deo, Saudamini; Froesch, Philippe; Huynh-Charlier, Isabelle
• Is Part Of: Medico-legal journal. Volume 86:Part 3(2018)
• Page Start: 139
• Page End: 142
• Publication Date: 2018-09
• Subjects: Australopithecus afarensis -- paleoanthropology -- trauma -- bioturbation -- forensic anthropology -- causes of death -- taphonomy; Medical jurisprudence -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Crime -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 614.105
• DOI: 10.1177/0025817217749504
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-8172

Abstract

Following a global morphological and micro-CT scan examination of the original and cast of the skeleton of Australopithecus afarensis AL 288 ('Lucy'), Kappelman et al. have recently proposed a diagnosis of a fall from a significant height (a tree) as a cause of her death. According to topographical data from the discovery site, complete re-examination of a high-quality resin cast of the whole skeleton and forensic experience, we propose that the physical process of a vertical deceleration cannot be the only cause for her observed injuries. Two different factors were involved: rolling and multiple impacts in the context of a mudslide and an animal attack with bite marks, multi-focal fractures and violent movement of the body. It is important to consider a differential diagnosis of the observed fossil lesions because environmental factors should not be excluded in this ancient archaeological context as with any modern forensic anthropological case.