Forensics Hair Quiz

What is the purpose of hair on mammals in relation to cold protection?

Hair helps insulate the body and protect mammals from cold temperatures.

What is one reproductive purpose of hair in mammals?

Hair can make individuals look attractive to potential mates.

How do nose hairs function in mammals?

Nose hairs filter out germs and pollution from the air.

What is the role of eyelashes?

Eyelashes protect eyes from dust and sweat.

How does hair assert authority or intimidation?

Hair can be styled or displayed to convey dominance or aggression.

What protective function does hair serve against the sun?

Hair can provide protection against harmful sun rays.

How does hair assist in camouflage for mammals?

Hair coloration and patterns can help animals blend into their environment.

What is one function of hair for swimmers in the ocean?

Hair reduces friction while swimming through water.

Which part of the microscope controls the amount of light?

The diaphragm.

What does the rotating nosepiece on a microscope do?

It allows the user to rotate between different lenses.

What is the purpose of the stage in a microscope?

The stage holds the slide in place.

Where is nuclear DNA found in hair?

Nuclear DNA is found in the hair's root.

Why is nuclear DNA useful in forensic analysis?

It can help identify an individual.

Where is mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) found in hair?

mtDNA is found in the hair shaft.

How is mtDNA useful in forensic analysis?

It is useful particularly when nuclear DNA is degraded or scarce due to its high copy number and maternal inheritance.

What is the cuticle pattern of human hair?

Human hair features an imbricate cuticle pattern characterized by overlapping, flat, and smooth scales.

What are two other cuticle patterns found in animals?

Coronal (crown-like) and spinous (petal-like) cuticle patterns.

What are the common medulla patterns found in humans?

Absent, fragmented, or continuous medulla patterns.

What is the purpose of the cuticle in hair?

The cuticle protects the outer layer and shields the inner hair shaft from damage.

Where is pigment found in hair?

Pigment is found in the cortex of the hair.

Which way do the cuticular scales on hair point?

Cuticular scales point towards the tip of the hair.

What is neutron activation analysis?

It reveals trace elements in hair and can potentially link individuals to a location or event.

Why is hair a good option for detecting poisons or drugs?

Drugs remain in hair strands for months longer than in the bloodstream.

What is secondary transfer in forensic terms?

The transfer of a substance from one object or person to another via an intermediate object or person.

How is the medullary index calculated?

Divide the diameter of the medulla by the diameter of the entire hair shaft.

What is the medullary index value indicating human hair?

0.33 or less indicates human hair.

What is the medullary index value indicating animal hair?

0.5 or greater indicates animal hair.

What is the growth rate of hair for calculating how long ago a toxin was ingested?

Hair grows at a rate of half an inch per month.

If a hair strand is 18 inches long, how long ago could drugs have been consumed?

Drugs could have been consumed more than 3 years ago.