Forensic Biology Final Exam

T/F Walter McCrone made significant contributions to forensic science involving microscopy

True

What are the relationships between two objects in Locard’s Exchange Principles?

Suspect and scene

Weapon and scene

Suspect and victim

Forensic Science is the application of science to

both criminal and civil laws

T/F A comparison analysis subjects a suspect specimen and a reference specimen to the same tests and examinations for the purpose of determining whether they could have a common origin.

true

what does the concept of “general acceptance” of scientific evidence relate to?

fyre standard

in what way can someone be excluded with class evidence?

a size 10 shoe impression from the crime scene is dissimilar to a suspect’s size 8 shoe

T/F if cause of death can’t be found through simple observation of the victim, facial reconstruction is formed

false- an autopsy is perfomed

what is a type of physical evidence?

fibers, saliva, drugs

which techniques can estimate time of death

insect activity, eye fluid potassium levels, rigor mortis, and livor mortis

the final evaluator of forensic evidence is the…

jury

n Kumho Tire Co., Ltd. v. Carmichael, the US Supreme Court ruled that the “gatekeeping” role of a trial judge: 

applied to all expert testimony

If the body found at a crime scene is found to be warm in temperature, this refers to which term of forensic pathology?

algor mortis

T/F The coroner will conduct an autopsy if the cause of death is not apparent. 

False-only a medical examiner can perform autopsies

Forensic Databases are maintained for

fingerprints, bullets, DNA, and automotive paint

what can help determine is a body was moved

livor mortis

bloody or wet clothing should be

dried before being packed

T/F Most materials should be stored in airtight containers.

false

What piece of personal protective equipment should always be worn when handling biological materials?

gloves

how is impression evidence photographed

at a 90-degree angle

what is the least important consideration in gathering evidence at a crime scene

guilt of the suspect

T/F a live weapon should be cleared before being transported from the crime scene

true

a reference sample has what kind of origin

a known origin

T/F detectives may get additional infor as the scene is being processed that helps direct the collection of evidence

true

which of the following search patterns can only be performed effectively by one person

spiral

forensic science begins

at the crime scene

the most basic methods of crime scene recording include

notes, sketches, photos

T/F physical evidence can be collected during an autopsy

true

the chain of custody does what

documents who came in possession of the evidence, documents chronological history of evidence, and integrity of evidence

securing a crime scene involves

establishing boundaries, keeping out unauthorized personnel, and keeping a log of personnel

T/F note taking begins when the first piece of evidence is collected

false-begins when the crime is reported

what do pGSR particles contain (gun powder residue)

Barium (Ba), Antimony (Sb), Lead (Pb)

a physical fit can be performed with

duct tape, paint chips, fabric

what type of container is best for fire debris collection

paint can

which of these components (in hair) can be categorized as fragmental, ladder, absent, and lattice

medulla

what is the primary method of detecting impression evidence on floored areas at crime scenes

oblique light

what are the layers of paint on a car (inner to outer)

E-coat, primer surfacer, basecoat, clearcoat

T/F tire impressions that are an inch deep would be considered for casting

true

T/F if you are stopped on a highway, an officer can test you for alcohol intoxication

true

T/F electrostatic lifts can be used on wet and dry impressions

false-only dry

what fibers are natural fibers

wool, cotton, cashmere

which of these is useful in species identification because of scale patterning

cuticle

which analysis are destructive techniques

pyrolysis and solubility testing

which hair root phase has the highest chance of containing analyzable DNA

anagen

T/F pGSR particles can be removed through normal activity

true

T/F lamp filament examination can be performed with LED lights

false

What can a toxicologist testify to in a courtroom

drug absorption, distribution, elimiation, and drug name and classification

At what BAC level do you begin to have impaired vision?

0.08

T/F Examining a person's pupils can be helpful when investigating a DUI/DWI.

true

In which cases would an exam be required by a drug recognition expert (DRE)?

DWI/DUI

What type of analysis is used most to determine blood alcohol levels? 

gas chromatography

What test can help determine if the amount of alcohol consumed was above an individual's normal intake?

vertical gaze nystagmus

What factor(s) may a toxicologist consider in how a drug may have affected a person mentally and/or physically?

age, tolerance, health

A drug recognition expert (DRE) is a ___________ trained to recognize and identify people under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. 

law enforcement officer

In which cases, would blood samples be valid for analysis by a toxicologist? 

DWI/DUI, homicide, sexual assualt

T/F alcohol is a stimulant

false- depressant

T/F alcohol is eliminated in the kidney

false-eliminated in the liver

T/F carbon monoxide is a common non-drug that can be analyzed

true

T/F The cartridge cases in most revolvers are ejected automatically.

false

You have a bullet fired from a firearm with five lands and grooves with a right hand twist. You have a firearm with five lands and grooves with a left hand twist. Based upon this information alone, which is the most appropriate conclusion?

elimination

T/F scissors is an example of a tool with a pinching type action

false-shearing actions

What are General Rifling Characteristics:

rifiling depth, number of land and grooves, direction of twist, rifiling pitch

What portions of the firearm can leave toolmarks on cartridge cases?

ejector, firing pin, and breech face

T/F The extractor is the component on a firearm that pulls the cartridge/cartridge case out of the chamber of the firearm.

true

The Sodium Rhodizonate test is a color change reaction that turns _______ in the presence of _______.

purple, lead

The purpose of rifling is:

enhance stability of fired bullet

Which of the following shotgun designations has the largest bore diameter? 12, 16, 20, or 28 gauge

12 gauge

T/F The conclusions reached by firearm/toolmark examiners are subjective in nature and founded on scientific principles and testing.

true

Which of the following cartridge designations has the largest bullet diameter? 25 auto, 45 auto, 22 long, 32 auto

45 auto

T/F Ballistics is an accurate way to describe forensic firearm and toolmark identification. 

false

most powder in the US is composed of

nitrocellulose

The primary tool used by modern firearm/toolmarks examiners is the:

comparison microscope

Restoration of serial numbers is possible through:

chemical etching

name the three types of fingerprint pattern

whorl, arch, loop

T/F friction ridge detail does not fully form until after birth

false

T/F disease can effect friction ridge detail

true

a known exemplar is typically created using

an inked method

latent prints

require some form of development to be seen

patent prints

Visible without development

plastic prints

have 3-d qualities

a latent print on a non porous surface is typically

viewed with a laser, fumed with superglue, and stained with fluorescent dye

how many minutiae points must be in common in order for prints to be considered matches?

there is no set minimum

friction ridge skin is present on

feet, hands, palms

What detail(s) might be used in a latent print comparison?

ridge ending, short ridge, bifurcation

T/F Identical twins have the same fingerprints.

false

T/F Ninhydrin reacts with the amino acids in fingerprints.

true

What does the acronym AFIS stand for?

Automated Fingerprint Identification System

The deposition of a latent print can be affected by:

movement, environmental conditions, skin condition, surface material

T/F if a fingerprint slants to the left, it is most likely from the right hand.

false

Which pattern type contains two deltas?

whorl