Forensic palynology (pollen)

Question 1

What is the purpose of Forensic palynology?

Answer 1

Unique for each species, can be used to relate time, site, region allowing for comparison of pollen samples

Question 2

What are the fundamentals of Forensic palynology?

Answer 2

Microscopic in size, pollen and spores produced in vast numbers, pollen and spores identified to plant taxon, highly resistant to decay

Question 3

What are the achievements in Forensic Palynology?

Answer 3

Relate suspect to crime scene, relate item at scene to suspect, prove/disprove alibis, corroborate victims account, build profile-suspect and determine travel history

Question 4

What microscopes are used in Foresnic Palynology?

Answer 4

Transmitted light microscopy (TLM) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)

Question 5

How do you collect in Forensic Palynology?

Answer 5

New sterile disposable gloves, clean all instruments and store in air tight (glass or plastic), collect sufficient control samples, survey/photograph vegetation, do not open sample until analysis, tape lift clothing and work in contamination free lab