Question

When the fat tissue located beneath the skin of the decedent's remains begins to saponify, a hard wax-like material can form. This typically occurs with decedents found submerged in cold water. This decompositional process is known as "mummification."

1) TRUE.
2) FALSE.

Answer 1

The process described in the question is falsely termed as mummification; it is actually the formation of adipocere, or corpse wax, which occurs in certain decomposition conditions, unlike the deliberate mummification process as practiced in ancient Egypt.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement, 'The decompositional process by which the fat tissue located beneath the skin of the decedent's remains begins to saponify, forming a hard wax-like material, and typically occurs with decedents found submerged in cold water is known as mummification,' is FALSE. This process is not mummification; rather, it refers to a phenomenon called 'adipocere' formation or corpse wax. The term mummification describes the preservation of a body by drying and embalming, as famously practiced in ancient Egypt, where bodies were treated with salt, oils, resins, and wrapped in linen. In contrast, adipocere is a soap-like substance formed during the decomposition of fat in bodies found in wet, cold environments.