Final answer:
Blow flies and flesh flies play important roles in the decomposition process and are utilized in forensic investigations to determine post-mortem intervals and other aspects of forensic analysis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Blow flies (Calliphoridae) and flesh flies (Sarcophagidae) play important roles in the decomposition process, particularly in forensic entomology. These insect species are commonly found on dead animals because they lay their eggs on the decaying flesh, and the maggots that hatch from these eggs feed on the decomposing tissue. In forensic investigations, the presence, development stage, and species of blow flies and flesh flies on a body can be used to estimate the post-mortem interval (PMI), which is the time that has elapsed since death. This estimation is possible because the life cycles of these flies are well-studied and their development rates are temperature-dependent. By analyzing the larvae or pupae of these insects at a crime scene or on a corpse, forensic entomologists can determine how long the body has been decomposing. Additionally, the succession of different fly species that colonize a corpse can provide information about the environmental conditions and timeline of events surrounding the death. The presence of blow flies and flesh flies at different stages of decomposition can also indicate the presence of injuries or toxins that may have contributed to the death.