Forensic Botany Overview
47 Questions
4 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What should be prioritized when collecting evidence at a crime scene?

  • Only photographing the scene
  • Checking vehicles for fingerprints
  • Searching the clothing of suspects first
  • Collecting evidence from the perimeter (correct)

Which areas of vehicles should be examined for plant material?

  • The windshield and seats
  • The dashboard and glove compartment
  • The undercarriage and wheel wells (correct)
  • The trunk and spare tire area

Why is it important to have a botanist recheck collected evidence?

  • They can determine the type of crime committed
  • They can provide photographic evidence of the scene
  • They are trained to see small pieces of plant evidence that others may miss (correct)
  • They can identify animal hair easier than forensic experts

What can bruised or broken plants at a crime scene indicate?

<p>Potential evidence of a suspect's disturbance in the area (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant factor that can be determined from the rings of perennial plants?

<p>A time interval that may relate to crime events (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What material can often become attached to clothing at a crime scene?

<p>Plant material such as seeds and hair (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should be documented around a burial site during an investigation?

<p>The disturbed areas around the hole (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What common mistake do suspects often make regarding plant evidence?

<p>They overlook its possible importance at a crime scene (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of maintaining a chain of custody for evidence?

<p>To guarantee the evidence is secured and accounted for. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following pieces of information is NOT essential for a laboratory examination form?

<p>Date of birth of the collector (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of equipment might be required for evidence analysis?

<p>A scanning electron microscope (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When transferring evidence to another individual, what is a critical requirement?

<p>The receiving individual must be authorized to accept it. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What must be included in the documentation if samples are in the same container?

<p>Separate identification numbers for each sample (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which information is NOT typically recorded about the container in a lab examination?

<p>The color of the container (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a leaf fragment cannot be identified, what description is often acceptable?

<p>Dicot plant or unknown woody plant (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended method for ensuring secure transportation of botanical evidence?

<p>Keeping it in a secure, locked place during transport (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with the trunk of a tree if it is collected for preservation?

<p>It should be cut a few inches below and above any damage. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the ideal method for drying plant samples?

<p>Keeping them flat with blotter paper and applying weight on top. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using newsprint or absorbent paper when preparing botanical evidence?

<p>To ensure samples do not stick together while drying (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which action should be taken when collecting plant samples from a crime scene?

<p>Include at least 10-12 different plants around the scene (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What important environmental condition should be recorded at the scene?

<p>Weather conditions including sunshine, breeze, and humidity. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it necessary to separate samples of plant evidence until they are dry?

<p>To stop biological processes by killing the plants. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When photographing evidence, what should be included in the photograph before collecting it?

<p>An identification number adjacent to the sample (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should be included in the storage box for dried plant samples?

<p>Mothballs or pest strips to repel insects. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is advised when a plant sample is longer than the press or box during collection?

<p>Fold the specimen in an accordion zigzag-like manner (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of documenting the scene location of plant evidence?

<p>To ensure a connection to a permanent structure for identification. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of container is suggested for collecting larger samples of cones or nuts?

<p>Paper grocery-type bags (A), Cardboard envelopes (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the etching of bone by plant roots indicate?

<p>Time intervals related to decomposition. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How long can most plant samples take to dry if humidity is low?

<p>3–7 days. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should be noted regarding the collector of the evidence?

<p>The agency and title of the plant collector (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which measurement is not required to be exact when documenting plant evidence?

<p>Height of the plant (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is essential to establish a clear chain of custody for evidence?

<p>A documented chain of evidence log must be maintained (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which plant type is not listed when documenting evidence?

<p>Fern (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should be included in the description of habitat assessment?

<p>Obvious habitat disturbances (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of a botany field data sheet?

<p>To document locations and descriptions of biological conditions (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which detail is least likely to change upon drying of plant material?

<p>Height of plant (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect should not be included when analyzing botanical evidence?

<p>Color of the suspect's clothing (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When should a botanist from a different area get involved in plant identification?

<p>When local botanists are reluctant or face procedural issues (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is not a suitable frequency description of a plant in a habitat?

<p>Random (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary method used for preserving botanical evidence?

<p>Pressing and drying plant material (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to avoid collecting plant material in plastic bags?

<p>Plastic bags retain moisture and promote decay. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if plant material is stuck to a body part?

<p>Collect it in plastic and refrigerate. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How should the whole plant be collected from the ground?

<p>With a hand trowel, including roots (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to plant evidence if it becomes frozen?

<p>Plant cells may become damaged. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended temporary storage method for plant materials in the field?

<p>Using coolers with ice or cooling packs. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If the plant specimen is too large for a paper container, what should be done?

<p>Fold it accordion style. (A), Use multiple paper containers for sections. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key consequence of high moisture and sugar content in fresh plant material?

<p>Promotion of bacteria and fungi growth. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Plant Preservation

Pressing plant material and allowing it to dry naturally is a common method to preserve botanical evidence. This method retains morphological characteristics.

Plant Decomposition Factors

Moisture and sugars in plants promote bacterial/fungal growth, leading to quicker decomposition, especially with heat.

Plant Collection Containers

Avoid plastic bags or non-porous containers for plant evidence to prevent decomposition. Use paper.

Refrigerated Storage

If plant material needs temporary storage in the field, refrigerating it in plastic is acceptable, and the material should be examined rapidly.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Freezing Botanical Evidence

Freezing plant material will damage cells and cause disintegration, destroying identification characteristics.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Evidence Numbering

Ensuring consistency in evidence numbers is crucial for each section/part of the same plant.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Plant Removal

Remove the whole plant with roots using a hand trowel, gently separating soil from the roots.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Large Plant Handling

If the plant is too large, it can be folded, cut into sections, or placed and folded into paper or containers.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Plant Evidence Collection

Gathering plant material related to a crime scene, focusing on suspect's pathway, perimeter, and overall scene.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Plant Evidence on Clothing

Inspecting clothing for plant fragments, focusing on pockets, cuffs, seams, shoelaces, and shoe seams.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Plant Evidence on Vehicles

Searching for plant material in vehicle undercarriage and wheel wells, even on wet surfaces.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Plant Evidence from Bruised Plants

Examining sap from bruised or broken plants that can stick to surfaces.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Plant Evidence from Spines and Thorns

Inspecting for spines and thorns that can pierce skin, clothing, and objects.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Importance of Plant Hairs

Recognizing plant hairs that can stick to clothing and surfaces.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Disturbed Plants and Time of Death

Analyzing disturbed plants around a burial site to determine approximate time of death.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Annual Rings and Time Interval

Counting annual rings in plants growing near a crime scene to estimate time elapsed.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Botanical Evidence Photography

Taking detailed pictures of plant evidence is crucial for preservation. Capture both the whole plant and any damage present.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Preserving Large Plant Evidence

If a plant is too large to transport whole, cut sections above and below damage, keeping them together in a cardboard box.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Plant Evidence Storage

Store plant evidence in a cool, dry area. Use cardboard and blotting paper to dry flat, ensuring each sample is separated.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Root Etching on Bones

The depth of etching on bones by roots can provide clues about the time elapsed since burial, although a precise timescale isn't established for various species.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Plant Evidence Documentation

Record environmental details for every botanical sample, including weather, location, and habitat.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Scene Location:

Link the location of plant evidence to a permanent structure, like a building corner or utility pole, for accurate reference.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Habitat Description

Note the specific habitat where the plant evidence was found, such as forest, ditch, or trail, even if the overall scene is different.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Geographic Positioning System (GPS)

Use GPS for additional confirmation of the location of plant evidence, providing a second reference point.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Botanical Evidence Collection

Collecting botanical evidence involves taking samples of plants and preserving them to later identify their species and potential connection to a crime scene.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What's a botanical press?

A botanical press is a tool used to flatten and dry plant samples, preserving their features for later analysis.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Why use paper?

Paper is the ideal material for storing botanical evidence. It allows air to circulate, preventing mold and decomposition.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Wet Samples

Wet samples like fruits need extra care. Use wax paper to prevent them from sticking to the press or other storage materials.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Chain of Custody

The continuous documentation of who has had possession of evidence from collection to analysis, ensuring its integrity.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Evidence Log Sheet

A document that records the transfer of evidence between individuals, including dates, times, and signatures.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Secure Evidence Storage

Keeping evidence in a locked, controlled environment to prevent tampering or contamination.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Botanical Evidence Transportation

Moving plant evidence carefully to prevent damage or loss, following chain of custody protocols.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Laboratory Examination Form

A detailed record for each piece of evidence, including collection details, container type, and analysis methods.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Sample Numbering

Assigning unique numbers to each sample within a container to ensure proper tracking during analysis.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Dicotyledonous (Dicot) Plants

Plants with two seed leaves (cotyledons) often show distinct features useful for identification.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Analysis Methods

Techniques used to examine botanical evidence, ranging from simple observation to advanced microscopy.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Habitat Disturbance

Any alteration to the natural environment of the scene, like broken branches, trails, or paths. They can provide clues about activity at the scene.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Botanical Evidence Sampling

Collecting plant samples at a crime scene, documenting each item with a unique number and detailed information.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Evidence Transportation Log

A record of who transported botanical evidence, when it was moved, and where it was taken. Ensures chain of custody.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Evidence Storage

Storing plant evidence correctly to preserve its value. Avoid plastic bags and freezing.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Botanical Analysis

Examining collected plant samples to identify species, determine their origin, and link them to the crime scene or victims.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Plant Identification

Identifying the species of plants found at the scene. Local botanists can be crucial.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Botanical Expertise

Local botanists are valuable assets for identifying plant evidence in their areas.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Plant Decomposition

Plants decompose faster with moisture, sugars, and heat due to bacterial and fungal growth.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

Forensic Botany

  • Forensic botany is an applied scientific discipline focusing on botanical evidence in legal investigations.
  • It encompasses various sub-disciplines including palynology (pollen and spores), dendrochronology (tree rings), lichenology (lichens), mycology (fungi), and bryology (bryophytes).
  • Plant identification is crucial in forensic investigations.
  • Recognizing common plant groups is essential for investigators to use botanical evidence effectively.

Types of Plants

  • Vascular plants have a transport system for water and nutrients throughout the plant.
    • Seedless vascular plants, such as ferns, reproduce through spores.
    • Seed plants include cycads and conifers.
    • Flowering plants (angiosperms) are further divided into:
      • Monocots (e.g., grasses, lilies)
      • Dicots (e.g., roses, oak trees)
  • Non-vascular plants include algae and moss.
  • Non-plant organisms traditionally studied by botanists are fungi and lichens.

Basic Plant Characteristics for Investigators

  • Plant habit refers to the growth tendency of a plant.
    • Woody plants are perennials with secondary growth in the form of wood.
    • Herbaceous plants lack persistent woody stems.
  • Stems are characterized by having a bud in the axil of a branch.
  • Leaves are specialized for photosynthesis.
    • Leaf arrangement can be opposite, alternate, or whorled.
    • Leaf types are simple or divided.
    • Leaf lobes, tips, and margins are characteristics useful for plant identification.
  • Plant hairs, or trichomes, frequently occur on plant parts. Roots are often essential for plant identification, though they are often overlooked beneath the surface.
  • Flowers, parts of plants used for reproduction, often have distinct characteristics for identification.
  • Fruits are ripened ovaries instrumental for plant reproduction. Features like shape and size can assist in identification.
  • Botanical evidence, when properly interpreted by a botanist, can be valuable for legal investigations.
  • Knowledge of systematics (plant names), anatomy (plant cells), morphology (plant structures), ecology, physiology, chemistry, and genetics (DNA) is essential.
  • Plants can help establish alibis. Location-specific plant growth assists in determining the location of a person or vehicle.

Timing from Botanical Evidence

  • Annual tree rings in plants growing on or near graves/skeletons provide time data.
  • Plant discoloration or wilting can indicate a time frame for burial.
  • Chlorophyll degradation in plants buried in the soil can help determine time intervals.

Gravesite Growth

  • Vigorous plant growth at gravesites is not necessarily caused by nutrients from decomposition.
  • Soil disturbance usually leads to rapid plant regrowth as seeds are exposed to environmental factors.
  • Plant material or contents found in stomachs or feces can be a valuable means of determining the last meal.

Evidence Collection and Analysis

  • Botanical evidence is often preserved through natural drying.
  • Photographs of plant evidence at the crime scene are good records before processing.
  • Plant materials are typically pressed to preserve characteristics after they have been dried.

Plant Material Storage

  • Fresh plant material is best preserved in cool, dry conditions to prevent decomposition and bacterial growth.
  • Plant material that is not kept cool can lose essential features in a short time period.
  • Use archival-safe containers (not plastic bags) to preserve material.

Initial Crime Scene Notation

  • Botanical evidence at a crime scene should be noted during the initial walk-through.
  • Location of plant evidence and the path to and from the scene need particular attention.
  • Photographs of areas containing plants are important in analysis.
  • Sampling processes of plants need to be documented.

Where to Search for Evidence

  • Clothing and hair, especially if exposed, should be carefully checked for plant material.
  • When vehicles are involved, search the undercarriage and wheel wells.
  • Wet surfaces on vehicles or elsewhere might retain plant fragments.

Plant Structure Detail

  • Bruised or broken plant material may leave sap or other substances on surfaces.
  • Thorns or spines on plants can also leave marks, and hairs can also adhere to other surfaces.
  • Plant parts touching or buried with human remains are valuable evidence.
  • Digging activity at the scene can often result in damage or displacement of plants, which can indicate a possible burial.

Perennial Plants

  • Perennial plants with annual rings provide time information.
  • Tree trunks that have seasonal growth are a good source for time interval information.
  • Specific plant components (e.g., leaves, twigs, roots) should be marked properly and tied to a sample number

Etching of Bone by Roots

  • Roots etching of bones can give information about extended time period burials

Laboratory Report

  • A laboratory examination form for each container must be filled out with critical details of the evidence.

Botany Field Data Sheet

  • The field data sheet should contain critical description data to be filled out when examining a crime scene.

Habitat Sampling

  • Detailed lists of plants based at the crime scene need to be detailed on sample forms

Visible Botanical Evidence

  • Note plants over or on evidence, including bodies and vehicles.
  • Detailed lists of plants recovered at the crime scene need to be documented, including descriptions for each sampled item.

Evidence Transportation

  • Maintain chain of custody by tracking the evidence. The documentation must be complete and accurate.

Laboratory Analysis

  • Lab procedures may need specialized equipment or procedures. A good botanist will have many years of experience helping with procedures and data for plant analysis.

Botanical Evidence Analysis

  • Specialists can use their knowledge of plant life to determine how things occurred in the past. Plants that grow in unique environments are often tied to a certain location.

Additional Documentation

  • Accurately record weather factors (sun, rain, temperature, humidity).
  • Recording physical details about the plants (e.g., type, size, location) should be done.
  • Note habitat and environment details (e.g., forest, ditch, etc.). This information provides accurate contextual information helping with proper investigation and analysis.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

Related Documents

Forensic Botany PDF

Description

Explore the fascinating world of forensic botany, a crucial scientific discipline in legal investigations. This quiz covers various sub-disciplines such as palynology, dendrochronology, and plant identification, highlighting the importance of botanical evidence. Test your knowledge on plant types and their roles in forensic science.

More Like This

Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Open
Browser
Browser