In aquatic PMI estimation, which two factors most strongly influence larval development rates?

• A. Water temperature and duration of submersion
• B. Altitude
• C. Water pH
• D. Salinity

Answer: (A)

Larval development rates in aquatic PMI estimation are driven mainly by temperature and the time available for growth. Temperature sets the pace of metabolism and development: warmer water speeds up growth, leading to faster progression through larval instars, while cooler water slows it down. The second important factor is the duration of submersion, which provides the time axis over which development can occur. The combination of how warm the environment is and how long the larvae have been developing under water determines their current stage, and thus helps estimate the minimum time since death. Other factors like altitude, pH, or salinity can influence development in certain species or under extreme conditions, but they are not as universally predictive as temperature and elapsed submersion time.