ANTHROP 1AA3 Lecture Notes - Lecture 10: Paleopathology, Radiocarbon Dating, Bioarchaeology
6 Dec 2016
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You are interested in what happens to bodies after death. Forensic science on tv makes you think that they do a lot more than what they do, very unrealistic. What they actually do: phd in biological anthropology. Things they dont do: perform autopsies, make the final determination of a cause or manner of death (homicide vs. suicide)- Coroner of forensic pathologist does this: take down criminals in a blazing gun fight! Process of decomposition: breakdown and destruction of organic tissues, autolysis - degeneration of body tissues by digestive fluids, putrefaction - bacteria reproduce and start to consume tissues, muscle, etc Most to least important: temperature, humidity, access by insects, burial and depth of burial (or immersion in water) Body farm- tennessee: university of tennessee, 2 acors, donated bodies that have scientific experiments done on them with regards to temperature, humidity, etc. Certain soils (sedimentary or volcanic ash(excellent for preservation)) Water-logged sites (bog burials- very well preserved bodies)
