Exam 1: Introduction

Individualizing characteristics are those features that are unique to one particular person or thing.

What are the two main premises for the science of fingerprint identification?

What is forensic science?

Why do humans and primates have friction ridge skin on hands and feet?

What are the three fingerprint minutiae types?

Name and define the structures that make up palmar and plantar skin.

What are the subpatterns of whorls?

Where are friction ridges found?

Why is it not accurate to state that fingerprints are "permanent"?

What are the three possible conclusions of a fingerprint comparison? Explain each conclusion.

What is meant by persistence, and why are fingerprints considered persistent structures?

What is the final step in the analysis of all forensic evidence?

What are the subpatterns of arches?

What are the three major facets of forensic science?

Give three examples of forensic evidence that displays class characteristics.

From where does the term "forensic" originate?

No two people in the world have the same fingerprints.

Fingerprint minutiae are class characteristics.

What is the shortest possible short ridge called?

What are the three fingerprint pattern types?