What does forensic entomology study?

Forensic entomology is a specialized field that focuses on the application of insect biology in a legal context, particularly in criminal investigations. One of its primary roles is to estimate the time of death in homicide cases through the study of insect life cycles. Insects are often found on decomposing bodies, and their development stages can provide critical information about how long the body has been exposed.

This is achieved by examining the types of insects present, their life cycle stages, and environmental factors that may influence their development. For instance, different species of flies, beetles, and other insects are attracted to cadavers at various decomposition stages, allowing forensic entomologists to gather data that can narrow down the time since death.

The other options, while related to the broader context of forensic animal studies, do not encapsulate the specific focus of forensic entomology, which is primarily on using insects to derive time-of-death estimates. Thus, the emphasis on insect life cycles makes the correct answer the study of how these cycles contribute to determining the postmortem interval in homicide cases.