What types of physical characteristics can forensic anthropology analyze?

Forensic anthropology primarily focuses on the analysis of skeletal remains to help determine the identity of deceased individuals or to provide information related to factors surrounding their death. This field utilizes the characteristics of bones, such as size, shape, and any distinctive features, to make assessments about age, sex, ancestry, and stature of the individual. This information is crucial in criminal investigations and helps to reconstruct the events surrounding a person's death.

While clothing and personal items might provide insights into the circumstances of a case, they do not fall within the scope of forensic anthropology, which specifically examines skeletal evidence. Hair follicles and skin samples are typically addressed by other forensic disciplines, such as forensic biology or toxicology. Thus, the ability to analyze skeletal remains is a unique and critical component of forensic anthropology, making it the correct answer in this context.