Entomology Catch up Questions

• Human Regulation and Reproduction
• Further Education (Key Stage 5)

Entomology Catch up Questions

What is the primary role of forensic entomology in criminal investigations?

1. Identifying suspects
2. Estimating time since death
3. Analysing fingerprints
4. Examining blood spatter patterns

Which statement best describes insect succession in a dead body?

1. Beetles arrive first, followed by flies.
2. Flies arrive first, followed by beetles.
3. Ants are the primary colonizers.
4. Insects do not play a significant role in decomposition.

What does PMI stand for in forensic entomology?

1. Post-Mortem Interval
2. Pre-Mortem Investigation
3. Pupal Metamorphosis Index
4. Pathological Microorganism Identification

Which of the following characteristics is commonly used for identifying blowfly species?

1. Wing coloration
2. Leg length
3. Antenna shape
4. Body size

During which stage of decomposition do beetles (Coleoptera) play a significant role?

1. Fresh
2. Bloat
3. Decay
4. Dry

What environmental factor has a significant impact on the rate of insect arrival to a corpse?

1. Temperature
2. Wind Speed
3. Soil Type
4. Moon Phases

Why are Diptera (flies) of particular importance in forensic entomology?

1. They can carry diseases.
2. They are the primary decomposers.
3. They are attracted to human blood.
4. They are not attracted to corpses.

Carrion beetles (Silphidae) are often associated with which stage of decomposition?

1. Fresh
2. Decay
3. Bloat
4. Dry

What does entomotoxicology involve in forensic entomology?

1. Studying the toxicity of insects
2. Analysing toxins in insects found on a corpse
3. Examining the behaviour of toxic chemicals
4. Treating insect-related diseases

Which of the following is NOT commonly used to estimate the post-mortem interval (PMI) in forensic entomology?

1. Developmental stage of insects
2. Weather conditions
3. Soil pH
4. Presence of scavengers

In general, how does an increase in temperature affect the rate of decomposition and insect activity?

1. Accelerates decomposition and insect activity
2. Slows down decomposition and insect activity
3. Has no effect on decomposition and insect activity
4. Causes a complete halt in decomposition and insect activity

Under what conditions does the formation of adipocere (grave wax) typically occur?

1. Dry and well-ventilated environments
2. Warm and humid conditions
3. Submersion in water
4. Freezing temperatures

Apart from estimating the time of death, what other aspects of a criminal investigation can forensic entomology contribute to?

1. Blood analysis
2. DNA profiling
3. Identifying the murder weapon
4. Providing alibi evidence

How might the decomposition process differ between a corpse placed indoors versus outdoors?

1. Indoor decomposition is faster
2. Outdoor decomposition is faster
3. No significant difference in decomposition rates
4. Decomposition does not occur indoors

In a legal context, what is entomoforensics primarily concerned with?

1. The behaviour of insects in a crime scene
2. The legal rights of insects
3. The use of insects as evidence in court
4. The protection of insect habitats

Where do female blowflies typically lay their eggs during the initial stages of decomposition?

1. On the clothing of the deceased
2. In the soil surrounding the corpse
3. In and around body orifices
4. On the hair of the deceased

What does faunal succession refer to in forensic entomology?

1. The arrival of different insect species at a crime scene
2. The influence of soil fauna on decomposition
3. The succession of insect species during decomposition
4. The succession of scavengers in a decomposing body

Why is the temperature within a maggot mass higher than the ambient temperature?

1. Maggots produce heat during feeding.
2. Maggots are more sensitive to temperature.
3. Maggots attract heat from the sun.
4. Maggots generate heat through metabolic processes.

What information can the arrival patterns of insects provide to forensic entomologists?

1. Type of clothing worn by the deceased
2. Duration of insect activity on the body
3. Time elapsed since death
4. Seasonal changes in insect behaviour

In forensic entomology, how might ants be significant in the decomposition process?

1. They deter other insects from the corpse.
2. They carry away evidence.
3. They play no role in decomposition.
4. They speed up the decay of soft tissues.

Apart from insects, what other arthropods are commonly encountered in forensic investigations?

1. Arachnids
2. Myriapods
3. Crustaceans
4. All of the above

Which factor is least likely to influence insect colonization on a corpse?

1. Air quality
2. Presence of clothing
3. Humidity
4. Presence of a burial site

How might cultural practices such as embalming affect carrion insects' activity on a corpse?

1. Accelerates decomposition
2. Delays decomposition
3. Has no effect on decomposition
4. Alters the insect species arriving at the corpse

What are post-mortem artefacts in forensic entomology?

1. Insects feeding on the corpse
2. Artistic representations of crime scenes
3. Changes in the body after death but not related to decomposition
4. Artefacts left behind by the deceased

What is the primary role of dipteran larvae in the decomposition process?

1. Breaking down bone tissue
2. Consuming soft tissues
3. Aiding in the formation of adiopocere
4. Indicating the time of death

How does soil microbial activity contribute to forensic entomology?

1. Slows down decomposition
2. Speeds up decomposition
3. Attracts scavengers
4. Has no impact on decomposition

Which factor has the least influence on the development rates of insects on a corpse?

1. Ambient temperature
2. Humidity
3. Presence of clothing
4. Time of day

What is a potential risk associated with insect activity on a decomposing body?

1. Introduction of pathogens
2. Preservation of tissues
3. Indication of time of death
4. None of the above

How do beetles (Coleoptera) contribute to forensic investigations?

1. They are indicators of drowning.
2. They accelerate the decomposition process.
3. They provide information on burial depth.
4. They are used to estimate time of death.

In which climate would decomposition likely occur more rapidly?

1. Arctic
2. Temperate
3. Desert
4. Tropical