High School

What is the purpose of two-dimensional facial reconstruction?

1) To depict facial features described in witness testimonies
2) To be used for positive identification
3) To use soft tissue markers for reconstruction of a three-dimensional shape
4) To be produced only with computers

Answer :

Two-dimensional facial reconstruction aims to approximate a person's appearance based on their skeletal remains, combining scientific data with artistic interpretation. However, it is not typically used for positive identification due to the variability of indeterminable features. The correct answer is option 1.

The purpose of two-dimensional facial reconstruction is primarily used by forensic artists and anthropologists to approximate the appearance of a person's face from their skeletal remains. While no definitive answer is amongst the provided options, the closest is to depict facial features described in witness testimonies. This technique, however, is not usually relied upon for positive identification as it does not yield the accuracy required for positive identification but gives a look that should be resemblant enough for someone who knew the person to potentially identify them. The reconstructions, which are heavily based on scientific data involving the human skeleton, have an artistic element due to the indeterminable nature of hair color, eye color, and other features from skeletal evidence. Even though DNA analysis is improving, allowing predictions of skin, hair, and eye color, two-dimensional facial reconstructions are still artistic interpretations guided by anthropological science.