What occurs at a 'near' or 'intermediate' range gunshot wound?

In the context of a 'near' or 'intermediate' range gunshot wound, tattooing is considered a significant characteristic. When a firearm is discharged at this range, the gunpowder particles do not have enough distance to dissipate completely before reaching the skin. As a result, these particles can embed themselves in the surface of the skin, leading to the formation of small, pinpoint marks that resemble tattoos. This phenomenon occurs due to the high velocity at which the particles are expelled from the muzzle, allowing them to settle on the skin.

Burning typically occurs with contact range shots, where the flame and heat from the gun can cause burns on the skin. Blackening, which refers to the discoloration of the surrounding skin due to soot, occurs more significantly in very close-range or contact wounds. Charring is a form of burning that is also associated with contact wounds when the heat is intense enough to cause the tissue to char, which isn't typical at the distance of a near or intermediate range.

Tattooing is distinct in that it is specifically associated with the presence of gunpowder particles that leave residues on the skin at these particular distances, making it the correct answer in this scenario.