Forensics Entomology, Anthropology and Ballistics

How do you calculate the Time of Death using body temperature?

Time of Death =

Body Temperature−Ambient Temperature​/ 1.5

What are the four manners of death?

1. Natural

2. Accidental

3. Homicide

4. Suicide

What is the mechanism of death?

The mechanism of death refers to the physiological or biochemical process leading to death, such as blood loss, organ failure, or suffocation.

What is Pallor Mortis?

The paleness of the skin that occurs immediately after death due to the cessation of blood circulation. It lasts for a few hours.

What is Algor Mortis?

The cooling of the body after death. The body typically cools at 1.5°C per hour until it reaches ambient temperature.

What is Livor Mortis and what does it indicate?

• Livor Mortis is the pooling of blood in the lowest parts of the body due to gravity, causing purple discoloration of the skin.

• It begins within 30 minutes to 2 hours of death.

• It can help determine if the body has been moved after death.

• Permanent after 8 hours

What is Rigor Mortis?

• The stiffening of muscles after death.

• Begins about 2–6 hours after death, peaks at 12 hours, and fades by 48 hours.

What is the process of Decay (Putrefaction)?

• Decay is the breakdown of tissues by bacteria and enzymes, leading to gases and odors.

• It typically begins 24–72 hours after death.

• 1.Fresh

  2.Bloating

  3.Active Decay

  4.Advanced Decay

  5.Dry Remains

What are the stages of the life cycle of a blow fly?

• Egg: Laid within hours after death.

• Larvae (Maggots):

  • 1st instar (0–24 hours)

  • 2nd instar (24–48 hours)

  • 3rd instar (48–72 hours)

• Pupa: 1–2 weeks after death.

• Adult fly: Emerges from the pupa.

What are the stages of decay and insect activity?

1. Initial Decay (0–3 days): Blow flies arrive and lay eggs.

2. Bloating (3–6 days): Gases cause swelling. Flesh flies and house flies become active.

3. Active Decay (6–10 days): Body breaks down rapidly. Beetles start to feed.

4. Advanced Decay (10–20 days): Most soft tissue is gone. Maggots and beetles continue feeding.

5. Skeletonization (20+ days): Only bones remain. Ants scavenge the remains.

How do you calculate average acceleration?

Average Acceleration=

Final Speed−Initial Speed​ / Time Taken

How can forensic anthropology help identify individuals?

Forensic anthropology examines skeletal remains to determine biological identity, including age, sex, ethnicity, and stature.

What is Ossification?

-The process of bone hardening

-Occurs at predictable stages

How is sex determined in forensic anthropology?

Pelvis:

•Male pelvis: Narrow subpubic angle (<90 degrees), heart-shaped pelvic cavity.

•Female pelvis: Wider subpubic angle (>90 degrees), wider pelvic cavity for childbirth.

Skull:

•Male skulls: Thicker brow ridges, squarer orbits, more robust mandibles.

•Female skulls: Thinner, rounder orbits, more V-shaped mandibles.

Robustness of skeleton

How is ethnicity determined in forensic anthropology?

• Skull shape: Certain characteristics, like the shape of the nose, cheekbones, and jaw, can help identify ethnicity.

• Nasal aperture and orbits: These features vary across different ethnic groups.

How is stature determined in forensic anthropology?

Stature is estimated by measuring the length of long bones (like the femur or tibia) and using mathematical formulas to predict height.