What does the decreasing body temperature after death help to estimate?

The decreasing body temperature after death is a key indicator used in forensic science to estimate the time of death, often referred to as the algorithm of algor mortis. After death, the body no longer maintains its normal temperature and begins to cool at a predictable rate, which can vary based on environmental factors and individual body characteristics.

By measuring the temperature of the deceased and comparing it to the normal body temperature, forensic professionals can establish an estimated time since death. This is a crucial aspect of forensic investigations, as it helps to narrow down the timeline of events surrounding the death and can provide valuable evidence in criminal cases or investigations.

In contrast, the immediate cause of death relates to the specific medical circumstances that led to the individual’s passing, such as trauma or disease; identity verification involves matching physical or biological characteristics of the deceased; and the location of death concerns where the body was found or where the death occurred. While these elements are important in forensic investigations, they do not directly relate to the physiological changes in body temperature post-mortem, which specifically assists in estimating the time of death.