The Effect of Repeated Physical Disturbance on Soft Tissue Decomposition?Are Taphonomic Studies an Accurate Reflection of Decomposition?

Adlam, Rachel E. orcid iconORCID: 0000-0002-1585-9112 and Simmons, Tal (2007) The Effect of Repeated Physical Disturbance on Soft Tissue Decomposition?Are Taphonomic Studies an Accurate Reflection of Decomposition? Journal of Forensic Sciences, 52 (5). pp. 1007-1014. ISSN 0022-1198

Full text not available from this repository.

Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1556-4029.2007.00510.x

Abstract

Although the relationship between decomposition and postmortem interval has been well studied, almost no studies examined the potential effects of physical disturbance occurring as a result of data collection procedures. This study compares physically disturbed rabbit carcasses with a series of undisturbed carcasses to assess the presence and magnitude of any effects resulting from repetitive disturbance. Decomposition was scored using visual assessment of soft tissue changes, and numerical data such as weight loss and carcass temperature were recorded. The effects of disturbance over time on weight loss, carcass temperature, soil pH and decomposition were studied. In addition, this study aimed to validate some of the anecdotal evidence regarding decomposition. Results indicate disturbance significantly inversely affects both weight loss and carcass temperature. No differences were apparent between groups for soil pH change or overall decomposition stage. An insect‐mediated mechanism for the disturbance effect is suggested, along with indications as to why this effect may be cancelled when scoring overall decomposition.


Repository Staff Only: item control page