http://www.loc.gov/mods/v3 http://www.loc.gov/standards/mods/v3/mods-3-2.xsd
Forensic taphonomy and ecology of North American scavengers
1 online resource (xvi, 215 pages) : illustrations (some color), maps
Forensic Taphonomy and Ecology of North American Scavengers compiles research on vertebrate scavenging behavior from numerous academic fields, including ecology and forensic anthropology. Scavenging behavior can displace remains from their depositional context, confound postmortem interval estimation, destroy osteological markers, and inflict damage that mimics or disguises perimortem trauma. Consequently, the actions of vertebrate scavengers can significantly impact the medicolegal investigation of human remains. It is therefore critical when interpreting a death scene and its associated evidence that scavenging be recognized and the possible effects of scavenging behavior considered. This book is an ideal reference for both students and medicolegal professionals, serving as a field manual for the identification of common scavenging species known to modify human remains in North America. In addition, this book presents a framework to guide investigators in optimizing their approach to scavenged cases, promoting more complete recovery of human remains and the accuracy of forensic reconstructions of peri- and postmortem events.
Front Cover -- Forensic Taphonomy and Ecology of North American Scavengers -- Copyright Page -- Contents -- List of Figures -- List of Tables -- Acknowledgments -- 1 Introduction -- Forensic Science Under the Medicolegal Microscope -- Forensic Error: Proving Guilt in the Innocent -- Putting "Science" in Forensic Science -- Conclusion -- Guide To This Volume -- References -- 2 Unwitting Accomplices: Scavengers and Forensic Investigation -- Introduction -- Scavenging and Identification -- Scavenging and Trauma Analysis -- Scavenging and Postmortem Interval Estimation -- Conclusion -- References -- 3 There Is No Such Thing as a Free Lunch: The Evolution of Scavenging -- Introduction -- Scavenging and Ecology -- Scavenging and Evolution -- Conclusion -- References -- 4 Scavenger Identification Strategies: Interpreting Taphonomic Signatures -- Introduction -- Faunal and Genetic Evidence -- Bite Mark Evidence -- Introducing the Maker's Mark: Taphonomic Signatures -- Soft Tissue and Bone Modification -- Dental Morphology -- Habitual Feeding Behaviors -- Patterns of Tissue Consumption -- Disarticulation, Scattering, and Element Removal -- Conclusion -- References -- 5 What Big Teeth You Have: Taphonomic Signatures of North American Scavengers -- Family Canidae-Canids-Dogs, Coyotes, Foxes, and Wolves -- Domestic Dogs and Indoor Scavenging -- Distinguishing Between Dog Attacks and Scavenging -- Canid Summary -- Family Cathartidae-New World Vultures -- Cathartid Summary -- Family Cervidae-Cervids-Deer -- Cervid Summary -- Family Corvidae-Corvids-Magpies, Crows, and Ravens -- Corvid Summary -- Order Crocodilia-Crocodilians-Alligators, Crocodiles, and Caimans -- Crocodilian Summary -- Family Didelphidae-Didelphis virginiana-Virginia Opossum -- Opposum Summary -- Family Felidae-Felids-Wild and Domestic Cats -- Scavenging (or Lack Thereof) by the Domestic Cat.
Felid Summary -- Family Procyonidae-Procyon lotor-Northern Raccoon -- Raccoon Summary -- Order Rodentia-Rodents -- Rodent Summary -- Superorder Selachimorpha-Sharks -- Distinguishing Between Shark Attacks and Scavenging -- Shark Summary -- Family Suidae-Suids-Wild Boar and Domestic Pig -- Suid Summary -- Family Ursidae-Ursids-Bears -- Ursid Summary -- References -- Overall -- Canids-Family Canidae-Dogs, Coyotes, Foxes, and Wolves -- Family Cathartidae-New World Vultures -- Cervids-Family Cervidae-Deer -- Family Corvidae-Corvids-Magpies, Crows, and Ravens -- Order Crocodilia-Crocodilians -- Family Didelphidae-Didelphis virginiana-Virginia Opossum -- Family Felidae-Felids-Wild and Domestic Cats -- Family Procyonidae-Procyon lotor-Northern Raccoon -- Order Rodentia-Rodents -- Superorder Selachimorpha-Sharks -- Family Suidae-Suids-Wild Boar and Domestic Pig -- Family Ursidae-Ursids-Bears -- 6 Ecological Influences on Scavenging Behavior -- Introduction -- Ecological Principles and Scavenging Behavior -- Climate and Weather -- Anthropogenic Climate Change -- Community Composition and Competition -- Hunting Success -- The Influence of Reproduction on Predators and Prey -- Competition Between Species -- Anthropogenic Activity -- Conclusion: Ecology, Behavior, and Taphonomic Effects -- References -- 7 Adapting Your Investigation: Recovery and Interpretation -- Introduction -- The Importance of Archaeology -- Forensic Archaeology and Scavengers: Adapting the Methods Employed -- Considerations for Postmortem Interval and Trauma -- Investigating Vertebrate-Scavenged Remains: Best Practices -- Conclusion -- References -- 8 Suggestions for Future Directions -- Introduction -- Missing Data and New Questions -- Studying Scavengers: Challenges and Research Design -- Bringing it All Together: Knowledge Distribution -- Conclusion -- References -- Appendices.
Appendix A: Glossary -- Appendix B: Anatomical and Osteological Background -- Anatomical Directions -- Anatomy of a Bone -- Dental Terminology -- Overview of the Human Skeleton -- Further Reading -- Index -- Back Cover.
Susan N. Sincerbox, Elizabeth A. DiGangi.
Includes bibliographical references and index.