CRIM 318 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Chemical Decomposition, Putrefaction, Scavenger
26 Jun 2017
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Document Summary
Postmortem decomposition of human remains and vertebrate carrion. 10. 1 decomposition of human and other vertebrate remains is a complex process. Study of decomposing or decaying organisms over time. Autolysis -self-digestion or destruction of cell due to action of enzymes found within cell. Putrefaction is chemical degeneration of soft tissues, catalyzed by microbial action. Begins later than autolysis because of reliance on microorganisms. Abiotic decomposition -chemical action of autolysis and putrefaction as well as physical processes associated with environment and microhabitat of the corpse. Cadaver decomposition island -encompasses animal remains and soil that became saturated with body fluids. Biotic decomposition is catabolic degradation of organic material by living organisms. Attraction to corpse, facets of growth and development when feeding carrion. Y is equal to number of days for a body to become skeletonized or mummified. X is average temperature in degrees celsius during decomposition process. Warmer temperature -promote increased carrion insect activity and accelerate consumption of cadaver tissues.
