Forensic Science Study Guide

Human vs Animal Hair

what alters hair

diet, chemical treatment, and damage

different fiber types

most common fiber types

• colorless cotton and blue denim

• wool from sheep

Greatest variation in textiles

its color

forensic anthropology

the study of human remains to help solve criminal cases

osteology

the study of bones and the skeletal system

odontology

the scientific study of the structure and diseases of teeth

taphonomy

the study of how organisms decay and become fossilized or preserved in the paleontological record

clandestine grave

an unmarked burial site used to dispose of bodies

antemortem

made or done just before one's death

Deciduous Dentition 

baby teeth

male vs female hip bones

the amount of bones in the adult body

206 bones

treaded items

tires and footwear (easy to locate exact model due to mass production)

locard’s principle

when two objects come into contact, they exchange microscopic material

latent vs patent

patent - a visible shoe print

latent - not visible and often requiring special tools to see

three-dimensional impressions

TIRE TRACKS IN MUD, SNOW, SAND, SOIL

tire impressions when turning vs straight

track width is different, wheelbase, and turning diameter

serology

SAMPLES IN STAIN FORM AND OFTEN DEGRADED

tests for saliva

amylase, starch-iodine test, and alternate light sources

seminal fluid

next to blood seminal fluid is the most common seen in forensic scenes

tests to determine seminal fluid

microscopic identification, no motility within 3-6 hours of ejaculation, staining technique - christmas tree stain

tests for blood

catalytic color test, kestle meyer test, and luminol

what these detect

hemoglobin

blood spatter types