Which of the following statements about adipocre is true?

Adipocere, also known as "grave wax," is a waxy substance that can form during the decomposition of a body, particularly in moist environments. The correct statement about adipocere is that it develops from the body’s natural fats in such conditions. This process occurs when the body is buried or submerged in water, allowing the fats to undergo saponification, which transforms them into this firm, waxy substance.

The formation of adipocere is primarily influenced by factors such as temperature, moisture, and the presence of bacteria, which aid in the decomposition process. Understanding the conditions under which adipocere forms is crucial in forensic investigations, especially when estimating the timeframe of death and analyzing the conditions of a burial or body disposal scenario. This knowledge assists forensic experts in interpreting the post-mortem changes that can indicate the circumstances surrounding a death.