ABFM ABFM Forensic Entomology & Decomposition

Question 1

Which insect order is considered the most forensically significant due to its early arrival at a decomposing body?

Accepted Answer

Diptera

Answer

Diptera (flies), especially blowflies, are the first colonizers of a corpse and are central to estimating postmortem interval.

Question 2

The minimum postmortem interval (minPMI) in forensic entomology is estimated by examining which stage of insect development?

Accepted Answer

Age of the youngest insect present

Answer

The youngest (earliest stage) insect present gives the minimum time since colonization began, establishing the minPMI.

Question 3

Which blowfly species is most commonly used as a forensic indicator in the continental United States?

Accepted Answer

Lucilia sericata

Answer

Lucilia sericata (green bottle fly) is among the most commonly encountered and studied forensic indicator species in the US.

Question 4

What term describes the predictable sequence of insect species that colonize a corpse over time?

Accepted Answer

Arthropod succession

Answer

Arthropod succession refers to the predictable wave of different insect and arthropod species that colonize remains at successive stages of decomposition.

Question 5

Temperature directly affects the accuracy of PMI estimates in forensic entomology because it influences what?

Accepted Answer

Rate of insect larval development

Answer

Insect larval development rates are temperature-dependent, so accumulated degree hours/days are used to estimate time of colonization.

(ABFM) American Board of Forensic Medicine Certification Practice Test

(ABFM) American Board of Forensic Medicine Certification Practice Test

ABFM ABFM Forensic Entomology & Decomposition