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Anthro 198 > Module 13: Forensic Taphonomy > Flashcards

Module 13: Forensic Taphonomy Flashcards

1
Q

process of fossilization

A
  • taphonomy
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2
Q

forensic taphonomy

A
  • 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
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3
Q

Key taphonomic processes

A
  • decomposition
  • scavenging
  • weathering
  • burial
  • submergence
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4
Q

Decomposition

A

breakdown of organic molecules by physical, chemical, biological agents (temp, moisture, enzyme, bacteria, fungi)

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5
Q

What eliminate collagen from bone during decom?

A

bacteria

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6
Q

Bone breakdown caused by chemical equilibrium and loss of organic components tsaka dissolution of mineral components

A

Bone diagenesis

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7
Q

Scavenging

A

consumptions of remains by animals

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8
Q

Consequences of scavenging

A
  • animal bites can superimposed perimortem wounds
  • difficulty im victim identification
    -scattering of body parts
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9
Q

Weathering

A

progressive deterioration and destruction of bones due to chemical and mechanical agents over time

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10
Q

5 general stages of weathering

A

stage 1: unweathered
stage 2: fine cracking
stage 3: flaking
stage 4: spalling and deep cracking
stage 5: fragile, falling apart

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11
Q

True or False
Time interval does not depend heavily on the environment conditions.

A

False

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12
Q

True or False
Sun bleach the bone

A

True

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13
Q

Description of burial

A
  • reduces exposure to air, sun, and scavengers
  • use of embalming stuff
  • formation of adipocere
  • soil pH affects the decomposition
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14
Q

How adipocere formed?

A

hydrolysis of fat by anaerobic bacteria

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15
Q

True or False
Acidic hasten decomposition

A

False. Slows down

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16
Q

Submergence

A
  • water slows down decomposition but hasten algor
  • bloating ->float ->exposed
  • type of body of water matters
  • aquatic scavengerst
17
Q

Taphonomy in FI

A

PMI estimation through techniques in FE, FB, FA

18
Q

Limitations

A
  • sample size
  • reconstruction over long time periods
  • minimal human interventions
  • localized environments
  • no controlled factors
  • use of human analogues
  • examination changes environment under investigation
18
Q

Challenges of taphonomy in investigations

A
  • postmortem damage limits analyses
  • environmental variability and scavenger activity complicate estimation of PMI
19
Q

Ethical Considerations

A
  • respect for the deceased
  • cultural sensitivity

Anthro 198 (13 decks)

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