What is NOT a sign of death?

In the context of determining signs of death, the correct response is that an increased heart rate is not a sign of death. When someone is deceased, physiological functions cease, including cardiac activity. Therefore, it would be contradictory for a deceased individual to exhibit an increased heart rate, as this indicates ongoing cardiac function.

On the other hand, rigor mortis refers to the postmortem stiffening of muscles, paleness of the skin can occur as blood circulation stops, and the lack of respiration is a clear indicator that biological processes have ceased. All these signs are commonly associated with death and help in determining the status of an individual when assessing findings in a medicolegal context.