Forensic Botany Overview

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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?

Potential evidence of a suspect's disturbance in the area Signup and view all the answers

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

A time interval that may relate to crime events Signup and view all the answers

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

Plant material such as seeds and hair Signup and view all the answers

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

The disturbed areas around the hole Signup and view all the answers

What common mistake do suspects often make regarding plant evidence?

They overlook its possible importance at a crime scene Signup and view all the answers

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

To guarantee the evidence is secured and accounted for. Signup and view all the answers

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

Date of birth of the collector Signup and view all the answers

What type of equipment might be required for evidence analysis?

A scanning electron microscope Signup and view all the answers

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

The receiving individual must be authorized to accept it. Signup and view all the answers

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

Separate identification numbers for each sample Signup and view all the answers

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

The color of the container Signup and view all the answers

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

Dicot plant or unknown woody plant Signup and view all the answers

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

Keeping it in a secure, locked place during transport Signup and view all the answers

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

It should be cut a few inches below and above any damage. Signup and view all the answers

What is the ideal method for drying plant samples?

Keeping them flat with blotter paper and applying weight on top. Signup and view all the answers

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

To ensure samples do not stick together while drying Signup and view all the answers

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

Include at least 10-12 different plants around the scene Signup and view all the answers

What important environmental condition should be recorded at the scene?

Weather conditions including sunshine, breeze, and humidity. Signup and view all the answers

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

To stop biological processes by killing the plants. Signup and view all the answers

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

An identification number adjacent to the sample Signup and view all the answers

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

Mothballs or pest strips to repel insects. Signup and view all the answers

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

Fold the specimen in an accordion zigzag-like manner Signup and view all the answers

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

To ensure a connection to a permanent structure for identification. Signup and view all the answers

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

Paper grocery-type bags Signup and view all the answers

What does the etching of bone by plant roots indicate?

Time intervals related to decomposition. Signup and view all the answers

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

3–7 days. Signup and view all the answers

What should be noted regarding the collector of the evidence?

The agency and title of the plant collector Signup and view all the answers

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

Height of the plant Signup and view all the answers

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

A documented chain of evidence log must be maintained Signup and view all the answers

Which plant type is not listed when documenting evidence?

Fern Signup and view all the answers

What should be included in the description of habitat assessment?

Obvious habitat disturbances Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of a botany field data sheet?

To document locations and descriptions of biological conditions Signup and view all the answers

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

Height of plant Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect should not be included when analyzing botanical evidence?

Color of the suspect's clothing Signup and view all the answers

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

When local botanists are reluctant or face procedural issues Signup and view all the answers

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

Random Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary method used for preserving botanical evidence?

Pressing and drying plant material Signup and view all the answers

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

Plastic bags retain moisture and promote decay. Signup and view all the answers

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

Collect it in plastic and refrigerate. Signup and view all the answers

How should the whole plant be collected from the ground?

With a hand trowel, including roots Signup and view all the answers

What happens to plant evidence if it becomes frozen?

Plant cells may become damaged. Signup and view all the answers

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

Using coolers with ice or cooling packs. Signup and view all the answers

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

Fold it accordion style. Signup and view all the answers

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

Promotion of bacteria and fungi growth. Signup and view all the answers

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 in Legal Investigations

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.

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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.