Forensic Science Questions Flashcards
Forensic Science is the study of what?
Forensic scientists examine and analyse evidence from crime scenes and elsewhere to develop
objective findings that can assist in the investigation and prosecution of perpetrators of crime or absolve an innocent person from suspicion.
Name 2 types of medical Forensic Scientists
Forensic chemist
-Forensic Biologist
-Forensic Odontologist
- Forensic Pathologist
-Forensic anthropologist
-Forensic Psychologist and Psychiatrist
Name 2 types of Field Forensic Scientists
- Forensic Entomologist
-Forensic Botanist - Forensic Engineering
- Computer forensics
Scenario 1: A body was found at a crime scene with the cause of death believed to be poisoning.
To help the Police determine what poison was used and what time the person died, which two types of Forensic Scientists would they need to assist them? In your answer explain how each Forensic Scientist can help.
Forensic Chemist- produce a toxicology report and determine what poison was used. A forensic pathologist would also assist by conducting a postmortem.
Scenario 2: A body was found in the basement of a house. Crime Scene investigators reported that
there were flies on the body and that there were soil samples collected from the clothes of the person. What can you deduce from this information? and which two Forensic Scientists could help assist Police in determining time of death and place of death?
Forensic Entomologist- help to determine the time of death, life cycles of flies can help determine if it
was hours, days or weeks. Forensic Botanist- would look at the soil sample, the fact the body was found in the basement of a house and soil was found on the body- indicates body has been moved. The soil can be analysed to see where it may have come from.
How and where are a person’s fingerprints formed?
In the uterus. when a foetus’ volar pads (on the end of the foetus’ digits/fingers) press and make
fingerprints through these interactions and movements.
Are someone fingerprints unique? Can they change over time?
Everyone has different fingerprints, even identical twins. Generally they don’t change however in some cases Scarring can happen on fingerprints but this will aid in making them more identifiable.
what are the two main types of fingerprints found at a crime scene? Which is the easiest to see by
eye?
- Latent- hardest to see, they need to be dusted
- Patent- impressions made in a substance, easier to see. E.g. in blood, ink, oil, paint etc
To collect this type of fingerprint at a crime scene what must they use/do?
Use a special brush and powder, then use a piece of tape and press over the dusted print, lift, and
place on a card.
List 3 types of Natural fibres and 3 types of synthetic (man-made) fibres
Natural Fibres: Wool, cotton, silk
Synthetic Fibres: Nylon, Polyester, Viscose
When can you get DNA evidence from hairs?
When it has been pulled out and has the root of the hair remaining with cells attached
What are the 4 main blood types?
A
B
AB
O
If Anti- A serum was added to a blood sample and it formed a precipitate (a solid) which possible
blood type(s) could it be and why?
A or AB
What is Agglutination?
Agglutination is defined as the formation of clumps of cells/particles by specific antibodies to surface
antigenic components
Which is the most common blood type in Australia? Which is the rarest?
O+ is the most common, AB- is the rarest
