Post mortem artifact commonly involves which phenomena?

Post mortem artifact commonly involves which phenomena?

• A. Livor mortis
• B. DNA degradation
• C. Insects and animal pervasion
• D. Rigor mortis

Answer: (C)

Postmortem artifacts are changes to the body or the scene caused by factors acting after death. Insects and animal pervasion fits this idea because scavenging and insect activity occur after death and can alter the remains or the scene—displacing tissue, removing parts, or accelerating decomposition. These changes can complicate interpretations of injury, timing, or scene reconstruction, which is why this phenomenon is considered a postmortem artifact. The other options describe normal postmortem physiological changes (like blood settling, stiffening, or cooling) or biochemical changes that occur with time, rather than external agents affecting the scene after death.

Postmortem artifacts are changes to the body or the scene caused by factors acting after death. Insects and animal pervasion fits this idea because scavenging and insect activity occur after death and can alter the remains or the scene—displacing tissue, removing parts, or accelerating decomposition. These changes can complicate interpretations of injury, timing, or scene reconstruction, which is why this phenomenon is considered a postmortem artifact. The other options describe normal postmortem physiological changes (like blood settling, stiffening, or cooling) or biochemical changes that occur with time, rather than external agents affecting the scene after death.