Final Exam Textbook Notes Flashcards
Taphonomy
(def) study of everything that happens to biological organisms from the time of death to discovery
-coined by Ivan Efremov
-reconstructs events relating to deposition, dispersion, and modification of human remains
Forensic Taphonomy
(def) study/interpretation of postmortem modifications to the body
aids in…
-differentiating antemortem/perimortem events
-estimating post mortem interval (PMI)
Algor mortis
cooling of the body after death
Liver mortis (also called hypostasis)
the pooling of blood at low points in the body due to lack of circulation
-causes discoloration
Rigor mortis
muscle stiffening due to lack of ATP
-typically appears in face/jaw first
-peaks at 12 hours
Decomposition
process by which organic material is broken down into simpler forms, occurs in 2 processes: autolysis and putrefaction
-skin slippage
ATP
(adenosine triphosphate) molecule required to release muscles and prevent stiffening, when they run out after death rigor mortis occurs
Autolysis
(self-digestion) deconstruction of cells through the action of their own enzymes
-typically most rapid in stomach/pancreas
-more predominant in arid environments
Putrefaction, Intravascular Hemolysis, Marbling
*Putrefaction: deterioration of tissues caused by bacteria - causes color change (process called IH)
*Intravascular Hemolysis: bacteria increase in circulatory system - causes marbling
*Marbling: significant darkening of vessels caused by IH
Mummification
preservation through desiccation or drying out of remains
Saponification, Adipocere
conversion of fatty tissue to adipocere (white waxy substance)
-usually occurs in moist environments
Differential Decomposition
premature, irregular, or disproportional decomposition in areas of the body
3 causes
-injury that exposes blood/tissue
-exposure to physical/chemical agents
-prior bacterial infection
Skeletonization
completion of soft tissue decomp where only hard tissue of skeleton remains
Diagenesis
refers to chemical, physical, or biological change to the skeleton after initial deposition, including those processes that result in fossilization
Forensic Entomology
study of anthropods, including insects, arachnids, etc
-can include the study of insect infestations
-used to aid in determining PMI
-necrophagous: scavenging insect
Carnivoras
scavenging mammals with carnassials (special teeth) used for shearing - often leave pits, scores, and furrows on remains
Fluvial Transport
the movement of remains due to aquatic environments
Estimating Post-Mortem-Interval (PMI)
Early Est.: algor, rigor, and livor mortis exam
Late Est.: insect activity, decomp rate of soft tissue, ADD
Accumulated Degree Days (ADD)
represents the sum of the average daily temps, used in reference to estimate PMI
Submerged Remains Estimations
PMSI (postmortem submersion interval) estimated the same as PMI
Affecting Factors
-moving vs stagnant water
-salinity/pH (decomp faster in fresh water)
-terrestrial flies
-algae growth
Ways human agents alter remains (3)
1) dismemberment
2) application of chemicals
3) burning of remains
Forensic Archaeology
application of arch. methods to medicolegal and humanitarian issues
Include methods of…
-searching for/locating remains
-sampling/recording
-interpreting evidence
Surface Scenes
remains are deposited on the surface of the ground (not deliberately buried or submerged) - these are often scattered
Burial Scenes
remains that are deliberately (interred) buried
-not visible on surface
-clandestine graves (by perpetrators)
Submerged Scenes
involve remains in water
-includes remains that are floating, resting on the bottom, or suspended in between
-remains can become scattered over large areas through fluvial transport
Phases of Archaeological Investigations
1) Phase I: systematic search
2) Phase II: Evaluation of an area for significance
3) Phase III: Recovery
4) Phase IV: Interpretation and Reporting
Phase I: Systematic Search
involves locating areas that may warrant further investigation and/or excluding areas for further investigation
-primarily involves surface recovery
Phase II: Evaluation of an area for significance
subsurface surveys used to determine site boundaries and focal areas
-includes surveys to determine site boundaries
Phase III: Recovery
material of interest is systematically recovered/preserved
-includes excavation and collection
Phase IV: Interpretation and Reporting
involves the report/interpretations based on the previous 3 phases
Detection/Search Methods (3)
1) Line Search: multiple searchers forming a straight line over the area
2) Subsurface Probing: probe the ground to see where it’s been disturbed
3) Infrared Imaging: detects differences in the release of stored energy (disturbed soil = less hot)
*In Situ (def)
in its original position/place
*datum (def)
a reference point in a scene at which measurements are taken
*pedestal(ing)
an excavation technique where evidence is left in situ until the entire unit is excavated
-not recommended due to his destruction of evidence
Triangulation (scene doc)
measures the angles to evidence points from a line between two known points (reference points)
Trilateration (scene doc)
measuring the distance to a point from 2 known points
Baseline (scene doc)
a line is cut through the scene transversely and every point of evidence is measured from it
Azimuth (scene doc)
measurements from a fixed point
Grid (scene doc)
quadrants formed and search is performed within each section
Humanitarian, Human Rights
Humanitarian: concerned with human welfare
-assist the living, respect the deceased, establish
marked burial locations
-identify unknown remains, return remains to family
HR: rights belonging to all persons
-protect individuals/communities, hold perps accountable
Judicial, Extrajudicial
Judicial: legal and authorized
ExtraJudicial: not legally authorized
Structural Violence
systematic ways social structures or institutions harm or disadvantage certain groups
*What is the primary difference between humanitarian and human rights investigations?
Humanitarian investigations are solved without judicial prosecutions, human rights investigations are based on judicial investigations
*Clyde Snow
began humanitarian and human rights investigations
Purpose of the ICRC
(international committee of the red cross) assist local authorities in humanitarian law - regarding remains management and informing families
Purpose of DPAA
(defense POW/MIA accounting agency) account for missing Americans from past conflicts
