taphonomy

Question 1

what is taphonomy

Answer 1

the use of bioenvironmental frame work to try and interpret decomposition

Question 2

what is algor mortis?

Answer 2

body cooling

Question 3

what is rigor mortis?

Answer 3

body stiffening

Question 4

what is livor mortis?

Answer 4

hypostasis

Question 5

intrinsic factors affecting decomposition

Answer 5

size, weight, fat content of body

Question 6

Extrinsic factors affecting decomposition

Answer 6

cultural –> prep of body
environmental –> biotic and abiotic
5.5-8.5 pH optimum for bone preservation

Question 7

the extents of preservation

Answer 7

minimum = soil silhouettes - bone gone just soil stain
maximum = fossilisation - bone replaced by mineral

Question 8

what is the synchronic context

Answer 8

the changes observed and measured in the local system

Question 9

what is the dichronic context

Answer 9

how the item of interest changes over time (aka the cadaver)

Question 10

what are liable joints

Answer 10

joints held together by soft tissues –> areas with mobility