Mummification occurs when the body has less than ___% of water?

• A. 30%
• B. 50%
• C. 70%
• D. 90%

Answer: (B)

Mummification happens when the body dries out enough that decay is slowed and tissues are preserved. The idea is that once water content falls to about half of its normal level, desiccation becomes significant enough to halt much of the bacterial activity and enzymatic breakdown that drive decay. In hot, dry environments, this drying happens quickly, so the skin and other tissues dry out and shrink into a leathery, preserved state. Water is essential for microbes to thrive, so with less moisture around, decomposition slows dramatically and a mummy-like condition forms. If the environment is moist or cool, mummification is unlikely and other forms of preservation or decay occur instead.