EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -Forensic palynology is a subdiscipline of palynology (the study of pollen grains, spores, etc.), that aims to prove or disprove a relationship among objects, people, and places that may pertain to both criminal and civil cases.

Detailed explanation-2: -Botanists use living pollen and spores (actuopalynology) in the study of plant relationships and evolution, while geologists (palynologists) may use fossil pollen and spores (paleopalynology) to study past environments, stratigraphy (the analysis of strata or layered rock) historical geology and paleontology.

Detailed explanation-3: -Locard’s Exchange Principle states that with contact between two items, there will be an exchange of microscopic material. This certainly includes fibers, but extends to other microscopic materials such as hair, pollen, paint, and soil.

Detailed explanation-4: -This basic principle is that “every contact leaves a trace”. Thus NO perpetrator can leave the scene without leaving a trace. Fingerprints, gunshot residue or blood are the main evidence, which is involuntarily left behind at the crime scene.