Taphonomy

Taphonomy is the study of factors affecting the decomposition of anything after its death.  This is an assemblage of both biotic and abiotic factors which affect the rate of decomposition which was accumulated both in the lifetime of the thing as well as after its death.  For example, a high quanity of mercury in the diet of an individual could have an effect on the taphonmy of the individual after its death.  Some biotic factors include insects, animal activity and human interferance.  Abiotic factors include the weather, soil acidity and exposure to sun.