Skeletons are the remains of deceased people that can be found all around the Wastes.
Background
Skeletons are the bones of human beings found in various places.
Interactions with player character
Fallout and Fallout 2
In Fallout and Fallout 2, some skeletons can be looted.
Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas
In Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas, the player can pick up this object, but not loot it.
Also in Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas, the player may find a skeleton near weapons, ammunition, notes and medical supplies. They may even correlate with unmarked quests.
Skeletons can also stretch out, they will sometimes fling when interacted with, for more information go to Fallout 3 bugs.
In Dead Money Vera's skeleton can be found wearing her dress. It can be dismembered. In Honest Hearts, the skeleton of Randall Clark, a.k.a. The Survivalist can be found atop the Red Gate. In Old World Blues, the Y-17 trauma override harness is an automated suit that houses long deceased test subjects, found all over Big MT. Additionally, Dr. Calis' skeleton can be found in X-13.
Appearances
Skeletons appear in all Fallout games.