Which of the following is an intrinsic factor influencing decomposition?

• A. Age
• B. Air
• C. Ambient temperature
• D. Moisture

Answer: (A)

Intrinsic factors are internal characteristics of the remains that influence how decomposition proceeds. Age is one of these because it affects tissue composition, water content, and the baseline microbial community present at death, all of which shape how rapidly tissues break down. A younger body with different tissue makeup and microbial populations can decompose in a way that differs from an older body, reflecting these internal differences that drive decay. The other options describe environmental conditions outside the body—air (oxygen availability), ambient temperature, and moisture—which modulate the rate of decomposition but are not inherent properties of the remains themselves.