What do accumulated degree hours (ADH) measure in forensic science?

Accumulated degree hours (ADH) are a crucial concept in forensic science, particularly in entomology, which deals with the study of insects in relation to criminal investigations. ADH measures the total amount of heat over time that insects experience during their development stages. This is essential for estimating the age of insect species found on a corpse and, consequently, the time of death in forensic cases.

When insects lay eggs on a decaying body, the temperature and environmental conditions affect their growth rates. By calculating the ADH, forensic entomologists can determine how long the insects have been developing, which is akin to estimating the post-mortem interval. Therefore, the correct answer highlights the significance of ADH in understanding developmental times of insect species, allowing investigators to draw conclusions about the length of time since death.

The other options, while related to entomology, do not encapsulate the specific role of ADH in measuring the time it takes for insects to develop, which is the central purpose in forensic investigations.