What is algor mortis?

Algor mortis refers to the process by which the body temperature decreases after death. After an individual passes away, the body gradually cools down to match the surrounding environmental temperature, typically at a rate of about 1 to 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit per hour, depending on various factors such as clothing, body fat, and environmental conditions. This cooling process is an essential aspect of forensic science as it can help determine the time of death, offering crucial information during investigations.

Understanding algor mortis is important in a forensic context because it provides investigators with indications about the timeline of events surrounding a person's death. The other concepts mentioned in the options, although related to postmortem changes, do not describe the cooling process. Blood pooling, for instance, refers to livor mortis, while the enzyme and fluid descriptions correspond to different physiological aspects unrelated to body temperature.