In identifying the gender of a human skeleton, a female pelvic bone is what shape?

The female pelvic bone typically has a broader and more circular shape compared to that of a male. This is primarily due to the anatomical adaptations for childbirth. Here are some key points that characterize the shape of the female pelvis:

1. Wider Subpubic Arch: The angle formed under the pubic symphysis is wider in females (approximately 90 degrees or more) compared to males.

2. Oval Pelvic Inlet: The pelvic inlet (the upper opening of the pelvis) is more oval and round in females, facilitating the passage of a baby during childbirth.

3. Broader Iliac Fossa: The iliac bones are more flared in females, creating a wider space for the pelvic cavity.

4. Shorter Sacrum: The sacrum in females is shorter and less curved than in males, contributing to the wider pelvic shape.

5. Overall Shape: These features result in a pelvis that is overall designed for greater width and capacity, making the female pelvis distinctively different from the male pelvis, which is more narrow and taller.

These anatomical differences are critical not only for identifying gender but also for understanding the functional adaptations related to reproduction.