Which of the following is commonly assessed in the process of decomposition?

The correct answer encompasses all aspects of decomposition as they are significant indicators of the post-mortem changes that occur in a body.

Rigor mortis refers to the stiffening of muscles that occurs after death due to chemical changes in the body, and its onset, progression, and resolution can provide crucial information about the time of death and the state of decomposition.

Insect activity plays a critical role in forensic science, as various insects are attracted to decomposing bodies at different stages. The presence and stages of fly larvae (maggots) can help determine the time since death and provide insights into environmental conditions affecting the decomposition process.

Body temperature is another vital element measured during the assessment of decomposition. After death, a body cools at a predictable rate, known as algor mortis, and monitoring this can give estimations of the time elapsed since death, which is valuable in legal investigations.

Thus, all these factors—rigor mortis, insect activity, and body temperature—are commonly assessed together to create a comprehensive understanding of the decomposition process. This holistic approach helps forensic professionals determine more accurate timelines and conditions surrounding a death, making the selection of all of the above the most logical choice.