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Human bones do decay, but due to the substances they are made from they are far more durable than many other parts of the body in common conditions.

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How long before human bones decay?

The rate at which bone decays is very variable and depends on many different factors. Human bone is often preserved for very long periods due to the fact we bury our dead. This protects the bones from sunlight, wild animals, weathering and other factors which normally make bone break down. Bone may decay in a period as short as 10-20 years.


Do bones decay?

Bone marrow can decay; the outer, more solid portion of bones often don't, which is why bones are recovered from archaeological sites or become fossils that in some cases last for hundreds of millions of years, even though the organic component will be completely gone. However in some cases bones can break down incredibly rapidly. Bone which is left out exposed to the elements and especially sunlight will disappear. Other conditions can also lead to the rapid break down of bone, such as the wet, acidic conditions found in peat bogs which lead to good preservation of soft tissue but break down the bones - hence the "crumpled" look that bog bodies have. Experimental studies have shown that in acidic soils some bone will disappear completely after as little as 9 years. Ultimately all bone will break down and decay eventually although it is far more durable than other parts of the body in most conditions, and even bone which is fossilised will be broken down by weathering and natural processes eventually.


What is the name for someone who studies ancient bones?

Lots of professions study ancient bones. Within archaeology there are osteoarchaeologists who study human remains and zooarchaeologists (or archaeozooologists) who study animal remains. Both these fields have alternative names depending on the particular aims of the research or the location of the researcher. For example people who study human remains may also be known as physical anthropologists or bioarchaeologists. Paleontologists also may study ancient bones which have been fossilized.


Why are artifacts and bones important to archealogists?

Artifacts and bones provide valuable insights into past human activities, customs, and societies. They help archaeologists piece together information about ancient cultures, technologies, and everyday life. By studying artifacts and bones, archaeologists can uncover the history and evolution of different civilizations.


Where do archaeologist find bones?

Archaeologists find bones during excavations at archaeological sites, such as burial grounds or settlements. Bones can also be discovered in caves, rock shelters, or other natural deposits where ancient human or animal activity occurred.

Related Questions

Why didnt the mummy bones decay and the human bones did decay?

the mummy bones didn't decay because they were carefully rapped and used w/ oils.the reason human bones decayed is becausethese weren't carefully wrapped. B-)


Do rib bones decay?

yes all bones decay


Can the human body decay?

Are You Serious!? Yes The Human Body Can Decay !


How long before human bones decay?

The rate at which bone decays is very variable and depends on many different factors. Human bone is often preserved for very long periods due to the fact we bury our dead. This protects the bones from sunlight, wild animals, weathering and other factors which normally make bone break down. Bone may decay in a period as short as 10-20 years.


What are the kind of bones in the human body?

Human bones.


What Stabilizes bones and makes teeth resistant to decay?

The answer is Calcium.


How are hummingbird bones different from human bones?

humming bird bones are hollow, while human bones are not holllow


Did they find human bones in the titanic?

Yes. The recent dives on the wreck have led to the release of photos from the earlier dive showing remains.


Does a giant squid have bones?

No. No squid has any bones, not even a giant squid. The only thing that will not decay is the beak.


Why are bones still alive after death?

Because the bones are not connected to your heart, and they are not alive they just do not decay as fast as your skin does.


Are there 208 bones Human body?

No. There are 206 bones in Human body.


How do you remember the bones in the human body?

How do you remember the bones in the human body?