Hikers who found a human body at high altitude in the Italian Alps thought the man had died recently, but tests indicated he was shot with an arrow more than 5,300 years ago.
Which of the following would be the best reason for prolonged preservation of the body?
A.
The food that the person ate contained toxins that killed the bacteria that would have otherwise destroyed the body.
B.
The arrow wound caused blood to flow out of the body, which led the enzymes that would break down tissue to be cleared from the body.
C.
The body was frozen in the cold temperature of the Alps shortly after he died and remained frozen until it was found.
D.
The ultraviolet rays at such a high altitude caused all the body’s molecules to be preserved.
The best reason for the prolonged preservation of the body is:
C. The body was frozen in the cold temperature of the Alps shortly after he died and remained frozen until it was found.
The cold temperatures of high-altitude environments can effectively preserve bodies for thousands of years by slowing down decomposition processes. Freezing conditions prevent the growth of bacteria and the activity of enzymes that would normally break down tissues. This is why the body found in the Italian Alps was so well-preserved.
Options A, B, and D are not accurate explanations for the prolonged preservation of the body:
A. While some foods can contain toxins, it is unlikely that this would be a primary factor in preserving a body for thousands of years.
B. The loss of blood due to an arrow wound does not account for the long-term preservation of the body.
D. Ultraviolet rays do not preserve body tissues; in fact, UV rays typically contribute to the degradation of organic materials.