%0 Journal Article
%T Mudslide and/or animal attack are more plausible causes and circumstances of death for AL 288 (¡®Lucy'): A forensic anthropology analysis
%A Ana£¿s Augias
%A Isabelle Huynh-Charlier
%A Philippe Froesch
%A Phillippe Charlier
%A Saudamini Deo
%A Yves Coppens
%J Medico
%@ 2042-1834
%D 2018
%R 10.1177/0025817217749504
%X 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
%K Australopithecus afarensis
%K paleoanthropology
%K trauma
%K bioturbation
%K forensic anthropology
%K causes of death
%K taphonomy
%U https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0025817217749504