Module 13: Forensic Taphonomy Flashcards
process of fossilization
- taphonomy
forensic taphonomy
- after death until its discovery
- postmortem
- study of processes that affect decomposition, preservation, and recovery
- aids in reconstructing events, locating and recovering remains and evidence
Key taphonomic processes
- decomposition
- scavenging
- weathering
- burial
- submergence
Decomposition
breakdown of organic molecules by physical, chemical, biological agents (temp, moisture, enzyme, bacteria, fungi)
What eliminate collagen from bone during decom?
bacteria
Bone breakdown caused by chemical equilibrium and loss of organic components tsaka dissolution of mineral components
Bone diagenesis
Scavenging
consumptions of remains by animals
Consequences of scavenging
- animal bites can superimposed perimortem wounds
- difficulty im victim identification
-scattering of body parts
Weathering
progressive deterioration and destruction of bones due to chemical and mechanical agents over time
5 general stages of weathering
stage 1: unweathered
stage 2: fine cracking
stage 3: flaking
stage 4: spalling and deep cracking
stage 5: fragile, falling apart
True or False
Time interval does not depend heavily on the environment conditions.
False
True or False
Sun bleach the bone
True
Description of burial
- reduces exposure to air, sun, and scavengers
- use of embalming stuff
- formation of adipocere
- soil pH affects the decomposition
How adipocere formed?
hydrolysis of fat by anaerobic bacteria
True or False
Acidic hasten decomposition
False. Slows down
