EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -True or false: A limitation of forensic botany is that all living matter decomposes quickly. False. Not all living matter decomposes at the same rate. Moreover, forensic botany does not directly involve or deal with the remains of organisms.

Detailed explanation-2: -A limitation of forensic botany is that all living matter decomposes quickly. A forensic botanist must look not only at the difference species in an area, but must also calculate the percentages of each species when comparing two locations.

Detailed explanation-3: -Forensic botanists can use their knowledge of plant structure, anatomy, and environments to assemble sufficient evidence to convict a suspect by placing him at the scene of the crime or by establishing that an object or a body has been moved.

Detailed explanation-4: -Forensic botany refers to the application of plant sciences to the legal process. Hence, forensic botany involves gathering clues from plants to piece together evidence that will assist to solve serious crimes like the cause of death, kidnapping, and murder. There are several branches of forensic botany.

Detailed explanation-5: -Forensic botany can be applied to solve a wide range of cases. For example, suppose pollen grains are found on a corpse and not at the crime site. This would indicate that the body was moved from one place to another. Diatoms are highly useful evidence, particularly in cases related to drowning victims.