What is a common sign of tissue decomposition?

The common sign of tissue decomposition is the presence of odour, which occurs due to the breakdown of tissues by bacteria and enzymes after death. As decomposition progresses, the metabolic processes of bacteria create various gases and other byproducts, leading to distinct and often unpleasant smells. This olfactory evidence is a key indicator of tissue decay and is typically among the first noticeable signs when a body begins to decompose.

Increased body temperature is not directly associated with decomposition; instead, it may occur immediately after death due to metabolic processes. Dehydration may be observed in tissues over time, but it is not a defining characteristic that signals decomposition itself. Improved coloration contradicts the nature of decomposition, as tissues generally lose their healthy appearance and may become discolored or mottled. Thus, the presence of an odour is the most definitive and recognizable sign of tissue decomposition.