Pearson Edexcel IAL Biology 6.20 Determining time of death
Practise estimating time of death from body cooling, muscle contraction, decomposition and insect evidence in forensic contexts.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2019
- Course
- Biology YBI11
- Level
- A2
Exam points
- use body-temperature graphs, gradients or conversions to estimate time since death
- explain how clothing, body fat or ambient temperature changes the cooling curve
- interpret forensic entomology evidence from insect species, larval size or development stage
6.20—Determining time of death question 1
The time of death of a mammal can be estimated in a number of ways.
Question (a)
(a)
Measuring the body temperature of a corpse is one method used to estimate the time of death.
The graph shows a calibration curve that can be used in this method.
[ 5 ]
Question (i)
(i)
Describe how the time of death of a person can be estimated using this method.
[ 3 ]
Question (ii)
(ii)
Explain the limitations of this method.
[ 2 ]
Question (b)
(b)
Scientists are looking for other methods to estimate the time of death, using the presence of chemicals in the blood.
One study used blood taken from five rat corpses and two pig corpses at intervals after death.
[ 9 ]
Question (i)
(i)
*(ii) The graphs show some of the results of this study.
Levels of lactate in blood / a.u.
Comment on the usefulness of using these chemicals for determining the time of death of rats and pigs.
Use the information in the graphs to support your answer.
[ 6 ]
Question (ii)
(ii)
Discuss whether these chemical tests are likely to be useful in determining the time of death of a human.
[ 3 ]
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