What term describes the death of plant or animal tissues resulting in discolored areas?

The term that describes the death of plant or animal tissues resulting in discolored areas is necrosis. This biological process occurs when cells in an organism die due to a variety of factors such as infection, injury, or a lack of blood flow. In plants, necrosis can manifest as browning or wilting in leaves and stems, while in animals, it may present as lesions or discoloration of skin or organs.

Understanding necrosis is crucial in fields such as plant pathology and veterinary medicine, as it can indicate underlying health issues or diseases affecting the organism. The other terms, such as decay, mortality, and decomposition, refer to different processes involving tissue, such as the breakdown of matter (decay and decomposition) or the overall death of an organism (mortality). These terms describe broader phenomena rather than the specific localized tissue damage characterized by necrosis.