Science of Death updated 4/9/2020

A body is found that shows no signs of rigor mortis. The body has been dead for ....

• less than 2 hours or more than 24 hours

• less than 2 hours or more than 36 hours

• less than 24 hours or more than 48 hours

• more than 36 hours

Which statement about decomposition is true?

• an overweight person will decompose faster than a thin person

• a buried body will decompose slower than an unburied body

• decomposition will happen faster if the body is submerged in water

• temperature does not affect the rate of decomposition

A body is found with blistering skin that is slipping off of the muscle underneath. There is a strong odor and maggots are seen covering the body. Which stage of decomposition is this body in?

• bloating (putrefaction)

• advanced decay

• active decay (black putrefaction)

• fresh (initial)

An elderly man is found dead in his car with the windows down. He has been missing for 2 days. The average temperature has been 36 degrees F. How would these factors affect lividity, rigor mortis, and algor mortis rates?

• lividity - decreases

  rigor - decreases

  algor - increases

• lividity - decreases

  rigor - increases

  algor - unaffected

• lividity - decreases

  rigor - unaffected

  algor - increases

• lividity - increases

  rigor - increases

  algor - increases

Many different insects will be present on dead bodies. Which one to entomologists usually use?

• blow flies

• house flies

• skipper flies

• flesh flies

The breakdown of organic matter caused by microorganisms, resulting in production of foul-smelling matter is:

• putrefaction
• decomposition
• autolysis
• algor mortis

The cooling of body temperature after death is:

• algor mortis
• livor mortis
• rigor mortis
• pallor mortis

The discoloration of a dead body caused by blood cells leaking hemoglobin is:

• putrefaction
• lividity
• autolysis
• sepsis

Another name for the larva stage of development in insects is:

• pupa
• egg
• instar
• cocoon

Discoloration of skin from pooling of blood becomes permanent after how many hours?

• 2 hours
• 8 hours
• 16 hours
• 32 hours