Do bodies of different races decompose differently?

Question

I was told that white peoples bodies compse faster than black peoples bodies by a soldier. I find this to be untrue as we're all humans the melanin compostie in one's skin shouldnt make a difference, maybe the environment (like in the heat), but want to find out for sure.

Answer 1

since all humans are carbon based lifeforms and carbon has the same rate of decomposition, or so they say, then all carbon based life forms will decompose at the exact same rate.  Now there will be factors that may speed up the process or slow the process down, case in point the bog men in Europe.  These individuals still have an intact leathers feeling skin that has not decomposed.  This is the exception but not the rule though.  Typically though you the average person will decompose at the same rate as the next person.

I hate wikipedia but it was the best resource that had everything i was looking for.  I have also included the link to the "Body Farm" at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, I suggest that anyone who is interested in learning about Forensic Anthropology make a trip to the Body Farm.

Answer 2

Yours is a very interesting question. This is one I never gave any thought to. If I were you I would address my question to A Medical Examiners Association as long as I didn't have a body buried somewhere that should not be there!

Answer 3

Umm I'm not an expert but that doesn't sound right....I agree with what you said, actually....what does skin color have to do with decomposition?!?

Answer 4

I am sure your instincts are true and we all decompose at pretty much the same speed with some variation based on size and possibly other reasons unrelated to skin color.

I am a chemist that has had several classes on physiology and microbiology.  There is just no significant difference that would change how bacteria break us down.

Answer 5

work in hospital--size matters but race does not. however light skin will darken giving the apperance that decomposition is occuring faster.

Answer 6

no it doesn't.

The only reason bodies decompose differently is where they 've been exposed too.

if it's in the outside or in water or in a an apartment ect....