Chapter 12: Decomposition Stages

What is the first stage of decomposition that begins shortly after death?

• Active Decay

• Fresh Stage

• Advanced Decay

• Skeletonization

Which of the following occurs during the "fresh" stage of decomposition?

• The body begins to swell due to the accumulation of gases

• Rigor mortis sets in

• The body starts to dry out and mummify

• The body is consumed by maggots

Which of the following is a common sign of decomposition that begins shortly after death?

• Livor mortis

• Putrefaction

• Algor mortis

• Adipocere formation

What factor most influences the rate of decomposition in the body?

• The decedent's age

• The environment's temperature

• The body’s weight

• The cause of death

During which stage of decomposition do maggots typically consume the body?

• Fresh Stage

• Bloat Stage

• Active Decay

• Dry Decay

Which is a key characteristic of the "bloat" stage of decomposition?

• The body becomes very rigid

• Gases from bacteria cause the body to swell

• Soft tissues begin to mummify

• The body starts to desiccate

What is the primary cause of body swelling during the bloat stage?

• Rigor mortis

• The buildup of gases from bacterial activity

• Chemical decomposition of proteins

• Loss of body fluids

In the advanced decay stage, what happens to the body?

• The body loses most of its soft tissue, leaving mostly skeletal remains

• The body is still swollen with gases

• The body has become skeletal, but there is still soft tissue present

• The body becomes fully dehydrated and leathery

During which stage do scavengers like insects and animals most frequently begin to consume the remains?

• Fresh Stage

• Active Decay

• Bloat Stage

• Skeletonization

Which of the following is most likely to occur during the dry decay stage?

• Complete liquefaction of the body’s soft tissue

• The body shrinks and dries into mummified remains

• Insects and larvae actively feed on the remains

• Significant bloating and gas buildup