Forensic biologists apply biology to law enforcement, working with a variety of substances and samples in the lab and field. They can specialize in areas such as botany, entomology, and endangered species identification, and may perform autopsies and DNA analysis.
A forensic biologist applies the principles of biology to law enforcement applications. Forensic biologists can work in the lab and field with a wide variety of substances and samples, from DNA evidence that needs to be identified to animals that need to be necropsied as part of an investigation. Forensic biologists hold degrees in forensic science or biology with a forensic science concentration and may work for government agencies, private laboratories, universities, and consulting firms.
A number of disciplines within the field of biology can be applied to forensics. A forensic botanist, for example, deals with plant evidence, ranging from samples of plant material found on a victim that could lead investigators to the crime scene to tracking the growth of trees, which could show how long a skeleton was buried in a shallow grave. Forensic botanists work with pollen, flower, and leaf samples in the field and in the laboratory.
Forensic entomologists work with bugs. Forensic entomology is a relatively new field, using information about bug lifecycles to gather crime data. A forensic biologist who focuses on entomology can help investigators determine the time of death and where a body might be located. They can also contribute other useful things to the team; for example, insects collected from a body can be screened for toxins to check for signs of toxins that may have been present in the body when the insects began to feed.
A forensic biologist is not just interested in helping to solve crimes against human beings. Some specialize in tasks like identifying parts of endangered species, working with law enforcement agencies to stop the trade in bones, skin, fur and feathers of endangered animals. Forensic biologists may also investigate suspected crimes such as poisonings and animal abuse by collecting evidence from the animal and the crime scene, and may be involved in the investigation of suspected disease outbreaks in animal populations that may threaten animal or human health.
Biological evidence such as skin, hair, teeth and blood samples can be examined by a forensic biologist to gather information about the victim. Like forensic chemists, forensic biologists can perform DNA analysis. A forensic biologist may also participate in or perform autopsies for the purpose of gathering information about the manner and time of death of someone who died, and these forensic professionals may oversee the collection of biological evidence from persons interested in a crime.
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