B3.3.5 - Time of Death Flashcards
Scientists can use which 3 factors to determine when an animal has died?
- Temperature of the body.
- Appearance of the body.
- Insects found on the body.
By how much does the body temperature of an animal fall per hour after death?
1.5 Degrees Celsius
When does the body temperature of a dead animal stop decreasing?
When it reaches the temperature of its surroundings.
When is measuring body temperature no longer useful for determining when an organism has died?
When the body temperature reaches the same temperature as the surroundings.
What is ‘rigor mortis’?
When the muscles of the body stiffen from a lack of blood and oxygen.
When does ‘rigor mortis’ begin to happen to a dead body?
A few hours after death.
How long can rigor mortis be used for to determine time of death?
48 hours
Why does skin begin to appear green 48 hours after death?
Because bacteria are breeding on the skin.
What does a dead body look like after 4-7 days?
- Skin takes on a marble appearance as veins move closer to the skin surface.
- The abdomen inflates due to gases being produced as the body decays.
How long has an animal been dead for if it has blow flies on it?
0-3 days
How long has an animal been dead for if it has fly larvae (maggots) on it?
4-7 days
How long has an animal been dead for if it has cockroaches on it?
1-2 weeks
How long has an animal been dead for if it has mites on it?
2-4 weeks
