Questions Set-2_Forensic Entomology_Forensic Science
1. Which
insect species is MOST commonly associated with corpses submerged in
freshwater?
a)
Sarcophaga carnaria
b) Chironomus spp.
c) Dermestes maculatus
d) Calliphora vomitoria
Answer: b) Chironomus spp.
Explanation:
Non-biting midges (Chironomus spp.) are aquatic insects whose larvae
colonize submerged remains, aiding PMI estimation in drowning cases.
2. Why
are adult insects considered LESS reliable than larvae for PMI estimation?
a) Adults
do not feed on corpses
b) Adults show seasonal variation
c) Adults may arrive long after death
d) Adult lifespan is highly variable
Answer: d) Adult lifespan is highly variable
Explanation:
Adult insects can live for weeks or months and may leave the body after
emergence. Their presence provides limited temporal resolution, unlike
larval stages with predictable growth rates.
3. Which
decomposition stage is MOST attractive to blowflies for oviposition?
a) Fresh
stage
b) Bloat stage
c) Active decay stage
d) Dry remains stage
Answer: a) Fresh stage
Explanation:
Blowflies are often the first colonizers, laying eggs within hours of
death during the fresh stage, especially at natural body openings or wounds.
4. What
forensic inference can be drawn if entomological evidence indicates nocturnal
oviposition?
a) Death
occurred at night
b) Artificial lighting was present
c) Body was submerged
d) PMI is overestimated
Answer:
b) Artificial lighting was present
Explanation:
Most blowflies oviposit during daylight. Nocturnal egg laying usually indicates
artificial light exposure, suggesting indoor scenes or illuminated
outdoor areas.
5. Which
biochemical substance released during decomposition MOST strongly attracts
necrophagous insects?
a)
Methane
b) Hydrogen sulfide
c) Putrescine and cadaverine
d) Ammonia
Answer: c) Putrescine and cadaverine
Explanation:
These polyamines are produced during protein breakdown and serve as
powerful olfactory cues attracting carrion insects.
6. Which forensic limitation is MOST significant when
using entomological evidence in court?
a) Insect
taxonomy complexity
b) Absence of standardized protocols
c) Environmental variability
d) Ethical issues
Answer: c) Environmental variability
Explanation:
Environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, burial depth, and
microclimate introduce variability in insect development, affecting PMI
accuracy and courtroom reliability.
7. Which insect developmental data must be
region-specific for accurate PMI estimation?
a)
Species identification keys
b) Succession patterns
c) Growth rate data
d) Morphological characteristics
Answer: c) Growth rate data
Explanation:
Insect growth rates vary with geography due to climate and genetic variation.
Using region-specific developmental datasets is essential for accurate
PMI calculation.
8. Which chemical class most significantly alters
larval growth rates in entomotoxicological studies?
a)
Benzodiazepines
b) Organophosphates
c) Heavy metals
d) Alcohol
Answer: b) Organophosphates
Explanation:
Organophosphates interfere with enzymatic processes, often retarding or
accelerating larval development, leading to erroneous PMI estimation if
undetected.
9. Why are beetle larvae particularly valuable in late
PMI estimation?
a) Rapid
colonization
b) Resistance to toxins
c) Long developmental duration
d) High reproductive rate
Correct
Answer: c) Long developmental duration
Explanation:
Beetles develop slowly and persist during advanced decomposition, allowing PMI
estimation weeks to months after death.
10. Which forensic entomology sub-discipline focuses on
insect infestation of living individuals?
a) Urban
entomology
b) Stored-product entomology
c) Medico-legal entomology
d) Myiasis studies
Answer: d) Myiasis studies
Explanation:
Myiasis involves infestation of living tissue by dipteran larvae and has
forensic relevance in abuse, neglect, and antemortem wound assessment.
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