Chapter 3: Forensic Ecology Check Access

The importance of forensic ecology as both an investigative and evidential tool has long been recognised within both the forensic science community and law enforcement. This chapter outlines the field of forensic ecology, describing the kinds of objects and materials that can yield both trace evidence, and other kinds of botanical, mycological, and soil information. Also outlined are the methodological approaches needed to recover the various kinds of evidence. These include appropriate sampling, recording, and analysis, that are necessary to facilitate elimination or implication of exhibits, suspects, and locations during investigative procedures. Key to the value of this range of evidential information is the provision of intelligence and the interpretation of data within the context of a case, and these critical elements are also explored within this chapter.