Forensic Taphonomy Assignment Essay
Order ID | 53563633773 |
Type | Essay |
Writer Level | Masters |
Style | APA |
Sources/References | 4 |
Perfect Number of Pages to Order | 5-10 Pages |
Description/Paper Instructions
Forensic Taphonomy Assignment Essay
Forensic taphonomy is a branch of forensic science that focuses on the study of the processes and changes that occur to a body after death, with the goal of determining the postmortem interval (PMI) and understanding the environmental factors that influence decomposition. Taphonomy is derived from the Greek words “taphos” meaning burial and “nomos” meaning law or study, hence it can be defined as the study of what happens to organisms after death until they are discovered.
The field of forensic taphonomy encompasses a wide range of factors and processes that affect the decomposition and preservation of human remains. It involves the study of various environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, presence of scavengers, soil type, and water availability, which can greatly influence the rate and pattern of decomposition.
The stages of decomposition can be broadly categorized into fresh, bloat, active decay, advanced decay, and dry or skeletal remains. These stages are influenced by factors such as the presence of insects, microbial activity, and scavenging animals. By examining the changes in the body and the surrounding environment, forensic taphonomists can estimate the time since death, which is crucial information for criminal investigations.
Insects, such as blowflies and beetles, play a significant role in the decomposition process. They are attracted to the body shortly after death and can aid in estimating the time since death based on their life cycles and the species present. Entomological evidence, including the presence of larvae and pupae, can provide valuable information to forensic taphonomists.
The study of soil and its interaction with human remains is also an important aspect of forensic taphonomy. Soil composition and chemistry can affect the rate of decomposition and preservation of the body. The presence of certain chemicals in the soil, such as lime or sulfur, can accelerate or inhibit decomposition, leaving characteristic traces on the remains.
In addition to insects and soil, scavengers, both terrestrial and aquatic, can significantly alter the decomposition process. Animals such as vultures, coyotes, and rodents can scatter and disarticulate skeletal elements, making it challenging to reconstruct the circumstances surrounding death. Aquatic environments can lead to unique patterns of decomposition, with factors like water temperature, depth, and current affecting the degradation of the body.
Forensic taphonomists utilize a range of techniques and tools to investigate the postmortem changes to human remains. These include the use of insect traps, environmental sensors, remote sensing technologies, and soil sampling. They carefully document and analyze the condition of the body, the presence of insect activity, the state of decomposition, and the surrounding environment.
By understanding the processes and changes that occur after death, forensic taphonomists can provide critical information to forensic pathologists and investigators. Determining the PMI is essential in narrowing down the time frame for potential suspects and corroborating or refuting alibis. It can also help locate missing persons and identify human remains in mass disasters or cold cases.
Advancements in forensic taphonomy are ongoing, with researchers continually refining techniques and developing new tools to improve the accuracy and reliability of PMI estimation. This includes the use of DNA analysis from environmental samples, isotopic analysis to determine geographic origin, and the integration of data from multiple disciplines such as entomology, anthropology, and geology.
In conclusion, forensic taphonomy plays a crucial role in forensic science by examining the processes and changes that occur to human remains after death. By studying the interaction between the body and the environment, forensic taphonomists can estimate the time since death, understand the factors influencing decomposition, and provide valuable insights in criminal investigations. The field continues to evolve, contributing to advancements in forensic techniques and aiding in the pursuit of justice.
Forensic Taphonomy Assignment Essay
RUBRIC QUALITY OF RESPONSE | NO RESPONSE | POOR / UNSATISFACTORY | SATISFACTORY | GOOD | EXCELLENT | Content (worth a maximum of 50% of the total points) | Zero points: Student failed to submit the final paper. | 20 points out of 50: The essay illustrates poor understanding of the relevant material by failing to address or incorrectly addressing the relevant content; failing to identify or inaccurately explaining/defining key concepts/ideas; ignoring or incorrectly explaining key points/claims and the reasoning behind them; and/or incorrectly or inappropriately using terminology; and elements of the response are lacking. | 30 points out of 50: The essay illustrates a rudimentary understanding of the relevant material by mentioning but not full explaining the relevant content; identifying some of the key concepts/ideas though failing to fully or accurately explain many of them; using terminology, though sometimes inaccurately or inappropriately; and/or incorporating some key claims/points but failing to explain the reasoning behind them or doing so inaccurately. Elements of the required response may also be lacking. | 40 points out of 50: The essay illustrates solid understanding of the relevant material by correctly addressing most of the relevant content; identifying and explaining most of the key concepts/ideas; using correct terminology; explaining the reasoning behind most of the key points/claims; and/or where necessary or useful, substantiating some points with accurate examples. The answer is complete. | 50 points: The essay illustrates exemplary understanding of the relevant material by thoroughly and correctly addressing the relevant content; identifying and explaining all of the key concepts/ideas; using correct terminology explaining the reasoning behind key points/claims and substantiating, as necessary/useful, points with several accurate and illuminating examples. No aspects of the required answer are missing. | Use of Sources (worth a maximum of 20% of the total points). | Zero points: Student failed to include citations and/or references. Or the student failed to submit a final paper. | 5 out 20 points: Sources are seldom cited to support statements and/or format of citations are not recognizable as APA 6th Edition format. There are major errors in the formation of the references and citations. And/or there is a major reliance on highly questionable. The Student fails to provide an adequate synthesis of research collected for the paper. | 10 out 20 points: References to scholarly sources are occasionally given; many statements seem unsubstantiated. Frequent errors in APA 6th Edition format, leaving the reader confused about the source of the information. There are significant errors of the formation in the references and citations. And/or there is a significant use of highly questionable sources. | 15 out 20 points: Credible Scholarly sources are used effectively support claims and are, for the most part, clear and fairly represented. APA 6th Edition is used with only a few minor errors. There are minor errors in reference and/or citations. And/or there is some use of questionable sources. | 20 points: Credible scholarly sources are used to give compelling evidence to support claims and are clearly and fairly represented. APA 6th Edition format is used accurately and consistently. The student uses above the maximum required references in the development of the assignment. | Grammar (worth maximum of 20% of total points) | Zero points: Student failed to submit the final paper. | 5 points out of 20: The paper does not communicate ideas/points clearly due to inappropriate use of terminology and vague language; thoughts and sentences are disjointed or incomprehensible; organization lacking; and/or numerous grammatical, spelling/punctuation errors | 10 points out 20: The paper is often unclear and difficult to follow due to some inappropriate terminology and/or vague language; ideas may be fragmented, wandering and/or repetitive; poor organization; and/or some grammatical, spelling, punctuation errors | 15 points out of 20: The paper is mostly clear as a result of appropriate use of terminology and minimal vagueness; no tangents and no repetition; fairly good organization; almost perfect grammar, spelling, punctuation, and word usage. | 20 points: The paper is clear, concise, and a pleasure to read as a result of appropriate and precise use of terminology; total coherence of thoughts and presentation and logical organization; and the essay is error free. | Structure of the Paper (worth 10% of total points) | Zero points: Student failed to submit the final paper. | 3 points out of 10: Student needs to develop better formatting skills. The paper omits significant structural elements required for and APA 6th edition paper. Formatting of the paper has major flaws. The paper does not conform to APA 6th edition requirements whatsoever. | 5 points out of 10: Appearance of final paper demonstrates the student’s limited ability to format the paper. There are significant errors in formatting and/or the total omission of major components of an APA 6th edition paper. They can include the omission of the cover page, abstract, and page numbers. Additionally the page has major formatting issues with spacing or paragraph formation. Font size might not conform to size requirements. The student also significantly writes too large or too short of and paper | 7 points out of 10: Research paper presents an above-average use of formatting skills. The paper has slight errors within the paper. This can include small errors or omissions with the cover page, abstract, page number, and headers. There could be also slight formatting issues with the document spacing or the font Additionally the paper might slightly exceed or undershoot the specific number of required written pages for the assignment. | 10 points: Student provides a high-caliber, formatted paper. This includes an APA 6th edition cover page, abstract, page number, headers and is double spaced in 12’ Times Roman Font. Additionally, the paper conforms to the specific number of required written pages and neither goes over or under the specified length of the paper. |
|
|
GET THIS PROJECT NOW BY CLICKING ON THIS LINK TO PLACE THE ORDER
Also, you can place the order at www.collegepaper.us/orders/ordernow / www.phdwriters.com/orders/ordernow |
Do You Have Any Other Essay/Assignment/Class Project/Homework Related to this? Click Here Now [CLICK ME]and Have It Done by Our PhD Qualified Writers!! |

|  |
PLACE THE ORDER WITH US TODAY AND GET A PERFECT SCORE!!!
Do You Have Any Other Essay/Assignment/Class Project/Homework Related to this? Click Here Now [CLICK ME] and Have It Done by Our PhD Qualified Writers!!
Why Work With Us!!
Tired of getting an average grade in all your school assignments, projects, essays, and homework? Try us today for all your academic schoolwork needs. We are among the most trusted and recognized professional writing services in the market.
We provide unique, original and plagiarism-free high quality academic, homework, assignments and essay submissions for all our clients. At our company, we capitalize on producing A+ Grades for all our clients and also ensure that you have smooth academic progress in all your school term and semesters.
High-quality academic submissions, A 100% plagiarism-free submission, Meet even the most urgent deadlines, Provide our services to you at the most competitive rates in the market, Give you free revisions until you meet your desired grades and Provide you with 24/7 customer support service via calls or live chats.