Which of the following is true about cremation?

Cremation is accurately described as a process of reducing the body to ashes. This occurs through the application of intense heat, which incinerates the body and reduces it to bone fragments and ash. The cremation process typically involves several steps, including placing the body in a cremation chamber and heating it to a temperature that ranges between 1400 to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit. This results in the reduction of organic matter and the creation of cremated remains.

The other options present misconceptions about cremation. For instance, embalming is not a requirement for cremation; in fact, a body can be cremated without embalming, depending on state laws and family wishes. Furthermore, while ceremonies can accompany cremation, they are not a mandatory part of the process for it to be considered valid. Lastly, cremation is commonly used for both humans and pets—it's not limited to one group, but rather it serves as an option for individuals making end-of-life arrangements for their loved ones, regardless of species.