Glacier Equation
Ambient Temperature
What is the temperature in the room surrounding the body
Physiological time of death
The time when the decedent’s vital functions actually ceased
algor mortis
the change in body temperature after death
control group
The group in an experiment where the independent variable being tested is not applied. The control group serves as a standard for comparison against the experimental group where the independent variable is applied.
Blue Bottle Fly stages
End cases, 1st instar, 2nd instar, 3rd instar, Pupae, Flies
Body Temperature
Estimated time of death
The time the medical examiner estimates that the death occurred
rigor mortis
the stiffening of joints and muscles after death
hypothesis
A statement predicting the anticipated results of an experiment.
Specimen found on Anna
Egg cases, 2nd instar
Legal time of death
The time of death recorded on the death certificate; based on when the body was found or physically pronounced dead
livor mortis
pooling of the body following death that causes a purplish red discoloration of the skin; also referred to as lividity
independent variable
In an experiment, the variable that the researcher intentionally changes to determine its influence on the dependent variable.
Celsius to Fahrenheit
(°C × 1.8) + 32 = °F
decomposition
Decomposition begins 36-48 hours after death. The body turns greenish in color and may swell or bloat as bacteria break down tissue and release gas. This decomposition, or putrefaction, also comes with a nasty smell.
dependent variable
In an experiment, the variable being measured and whose value is influenced by another variable.
Glacier Equation
(98.4 degrees Fahrenheit – the body temperature of the decedent) / (1.5 degrees/hour) = apx. hours since death
Insect activity
Insect activity can also provide clues about how long a person has been dead. The presence of eggs, larva, or full-grown bugs provide a timestamp for how long the body has been decaying.
How many steps are in experimental design
6
body farm
In an experiment, the variable being measured and whose value is influenced by another variable.