Which statement about maggots infesting a body is true?

Maggots, specifically the larvae of blowflies, are known to develop at rates that can vary depending on several environmental factors such as climate and temperature. This predictable growth pattern allows forensic entomologists to estimate the time of death more accurately. By understanding the life cycle of these insects and the conditions that affect their development, investigators can gain valuable insights into the post-mortem interval. For instance, the time taken from egg to larva can inform an approximate timeline of when the person died, indicating how long the body has been exposed to the elements.

This knowledge is essential in forensic investigations, particularly in cases where the time of death is uncertain or where the body is found in conditions that may obscure other signs of decomposition. Thus, the relationship between maggot growth and environmental factors plays a critical role in forensic analysis, making this statement accurate and significant for death investigators.