How long after death can dehydration of body tissues last?

Dehydration of body tissues after death can indeed last for a significant time period, often categorized as days to weeks. This process is influenced by various factors including environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity, as well as the characteristics of the body itself, such as body fat content and clothing.

Post-mortem dehydration occurs because the body's normal metabolic processes have ceased, leading to a loss of moisture. While initial changes are often observed relatively quickly within the first few days as cells lose water, the ongoing process can extend for weeks, especially in more arid environments where evaporation rates are higher.

The option indicating days to weeks accurately captures the variability and the gradual nature of dehydration in deceased bodies, reflecting both the immediate and prolonged effects of environmental factors in the post-mortem period. This time frame also aligns with observations that indicate significant changes in tissue hydration can persist well beyond the early days following death.