decomposition

Question 1

what is decomposition?

Answer 1

Decaying is caused by bacteria or fungal action, this happens when reduction of the body of a living organism to simpler forms of matter. A continual process that can take weeks to years, depending on the environment. A process that contributes to the cycling of energy and nutrients in the environment. It is a process that is necessary for all life on earth.

Question 2

what is taphonomy?

Answer 2

The study of the processes that affect the decomposition, dispersal, erosion, burial, and re-exposure of organisms after, at, and even before death.

Question 3

what are the five aspects of taphonomy?

Answer 3

death, transport, deposition, preservation, modification.

Question 4

what is forensic taphonomy?

Answer 4

Forensic taphonomy is the study of the fate of human remains. Scientific observations, what happens to a body between death and subsequent recovery of the remains. Can help understand and reconstruct the events surrounding a death. PMI estimation. Produce a timeline of events.

Question 5

how does decomposition effect vegetation?

Answer 5

Differential plant growth can be visible for years. Visible from the air: aerial photography. Some species can be used as markers for mass graves, e.g. wormwood (Artemesia vulgaris) in the Balkans. Can be used to search for clandestine graves.

Question 6

what are the 5 stages of decomposition?

Answer 6

fresh
bloat
active decay
advanced decay
skeletonisation

Question 7

what are some mechanisms of decomposition?

Answer 7

Catalysis: enzymatic and chemical reactions transforming complex compounds into simple molecules
- Bacteria
- Autolysis followed by putrefaction
Comminution: physical/ mechanical breakdown of matter
- Insects, wind, sun, tides, scavengers
Leaching: soluble material removed by water.

Question 8

how is PMI estimated? - Time since death

Answer 8

Time since death
Antemortem and postmortem data
Evidence from the body
Evidence from the environment
Evidence from habits/ actions/ day to day activities

Question 9

why is PMI so important?

Answer 9

It has direct bearing on legal questions of alibi, opportunity, cause of death, and helps to implicate/ eliminate suspects, potential motive, reconstruct sequence of events.

Question 10

what must forensic scientists provide in estimation?

Answer 10

Evidence of their empirical field studies
Indication of reliability
The error ranges associated with their estimate