TRUE OR FALSE? When a body begins to decompose the reason is smells bad is because of the blood inside the body breaking down. This is why embalmed bodies don’t smell.

TRUE OR FALSE? The smell of a decomposing body has been shown to draw flies from 19 miles away under a hot sun.

TRUE OR FALSE? Under certain, the fat of a body will turn into a soapy, wax-like substance called adipocere.

The Romans used adipocere as candle wax. TRUE OR FALSE? The Romans used adipocere as candle wax.

TRUE OR FALSE? One reason it is easy to get DNA from skeletal remains is because the cells of the body decompose, the DNA is left behind in the bones.

After death, either a body will putrify or mummify. TRUE OR FALSE? After death, either a body will putrify or mummify.

Depending on the species, flies may arrive within 10 minutes of death. TRUE OR FALSE? Depending on the species, flies may arrive within 10 minutes of death.

TRUE OR FALSE? The process of rigor mortis actually prevents decomposition while the body is stiff.

TRUE OR FALSE? The internal organs of a dead person will liquefy in the first 24 hours after death which is why organ donation must take place immediately after the heart stops.

Our bodies are full of bacteria that are waiting for the opportunity to take over. While alive, our immune system keeps the populations of levels that support life. However, after death, these bacteria begin to take over and the decomposition process begins.

Changes occur 0 to 3 Days post death. Internal Changes Cells begin to burst This releases digestive enzymes that down tissues. (lysosomes) Bacteria digest walls of intestines and stomach releasing acids which break down tissues.

External Changes Green/purple tinge appears as blood decomposes. Skin takes on a “marbled” appearance Face becomes discolored.

Insect Activity Flies will arrive as early as 10 minutes after death. Blowflies and Fleshflies are usually first. Flies lay eggs in body orfices that provide easy entrance into the body. Depending on species, maggots hatch within 24 hours and enter the body.

Blowflies - Family Calliphoridae

Flesh Flies Family Sarcophagidae

Changes occur 4-10 days after death. Putrification Stage Gases are released by bacteria in the body. This causes the body to bloat Seepage of fluids from the body (eyes) begins Foul odor released at this stage.

Insect Activity Smell attracts different insect species to body. Blowfly and Flesh Fly maggots continue to eat flesh & grow larger. Beetle species start to inhabit the body at this time. Some beetles feed on body Other beetles feed on the maggots and fly pupae.

2 Beetle species arrive during stage 2. Hister Beetle First beetle to arrive Invade body after putrification has occurred. Feed on BlowFly larva and pupae.

Rove Beetle Adult beetles invade body after putrification has occurred. 2nd to arrive. Feed on Fly larva and pupae.

Occurs 10-20 days after death Black Putrification Gases escape and corpse deflates. Odor remains very strong

Insect activity Several generations of maggots present on the body. Largest maggots move to soil and develop into pupae. Decrease in the number of adult blowflies and flesh flies at this time. Rove and Hister beetles have laid eggs and larvae may be present. May see predatory wasps presen that attack fly pupae

Butyric Fermentation 20 to 50 days after death Any remaining flesh is remove during this time. Body dries out. “Cheesy” smell develops from the release of butyric acid

New smell attracts new insects at this point. Insect Activity New smell attracts new insects at this point. Drop in the number of maggots because they cannot chew through dry flesh/ Beetle larvae develop and grow. They can chew on the tougher flesh. Beetle Larvae Beetle Pupae

Dry Decay 50-365 Days after death Body is very dry and there is little flesh left. Eventually all hair disappears and only skeleton remains. Insects remain on the body only as long as hair remains.

Just with other factors involving death, there are a variety of factors that affect how quickly decomposition occurs. Age—Young decompose faster than old. Sick people decompose faster than healthy people. Overweight people decompose faster than skinny people. Warmer temperatures cause faster decay Naked bodies decompose faster than clothed bodies.

Video Clips Time of Death http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBYmVB5yRA0 Eggs to Maggots http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5oUNr7Ymgc Body Farm http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_SiqND9bNA