Edexcel IAL Forensic Science Defintions

What is post-mortem interval (PMI)?

What is adipocere?

Which of the following is a chemical method used in forensic analysis of decomposition?

• DNA analysis

• Gas chromatography

• Examination of insect activity

• Observation of body temperature changes

What is rigor mortis?

• Stiffening of muscles after death due to biochemical changes

• Decomposition of soft tissues by microorganisms

• Release of gases during decomposition

• Cooling of the body after death

What is putrefaction?

• Decomposition of proteins by bacteria, resulting in foul odors

• Breakdown of carbohydrates by microorganisms

• Release of gases during decomposition

• Cooling of the body after death

What is entomology?

• The study of insects

• The study of decomposition processes

• The study of chemical analysis in forensic science

• The study of human remains

What is the role of microorganisms in decomposition?

• They produce enzymes that break down organic matter

• They absorb nutrients from decaying organic matter

• They release oxygen during decomposition

• They prevent decomposition from occurring

What is algor mortis?

• Cooling of the body after death

• Stiffening of muscles after death due to biochemical changes

• Release of gases during decomposition

• Staining of tissues by decomposing blood

What is forensic science?

• The study of microorganisms involved in decomposition

• The application of scientific principles to legal investigations

• The study of environmental processes that affect decomposition

• The use of chemical analysis to identify unknown substances

What is forensic anthropology?

• The study of human skeletal remains in a legal context

• The study of microbial activity in decomposition

• The study of insect colonization of decomposing remains

• The study of DNA analysis in forensic science