Fingerprints

Can two people have the same fingerprints?

No, even identical twins have different fingerprints.

What happens to a person's fingerprint patterns as they grow up?

Fingerprint patterns remain the same throughout a person's life.

List some uses for fingerprints.

Identification of individuals, crime scene investigation, security access.

What are the 3 major patterns of fingerprints?

Loop, Whorl, Arch.

What percentage of fingerprints are loops?

Approximately 60-65%.

What percentage of fingerprints are whorls?

Approximately 30-35%.

What percentage of fingerprints are arches?

Approximately 5-10%.

Describe how a loop fingerprint looks.

A loop fingerprint has ridges that enter from one side, loop around, and exit on the same side.

Describe how a whorl fingerprint looks.

A whorl fingerprint has circular or spiral patterns with two or more deltas.

Describe how an arch fingerprint looks.

An arch fingerprint has ridges that rise in the center, forming a wave-like pattern.

What are minutiae?

Minutiae are the unique features of a fingerprint, such as ridge endings and bifurcations.

Why are minutiae important when trying to match fingerprints?

Minutiae provide specific points of comparison that help to accurately identify individuals.

List 5 examples of minutiae.

Ridge ending, bifurcation, dot, enclosure, and short ridge.

What are latent fingerprints?

Latent fingerprints are not visible to the naked eye and require special techniques to be revealed.

What tools can we use to reveal latent fingerprints?

Powders, chemicals like ninhydrin, and light sources such as lasers.

What causes latent prints to be left behind?

Latent prints are left behind due to the natural oils and sweat on the skin.

What are patent prints?

Patent prints are visible prints left on a surface by substances like ink or blood.

What are plastic prints?

Plastic prints are three-dimensional impressions left in soft materials like wax or clay.

What type of print is a fingerprint on a glass table that needed dusting to see?

Latent print.

What type of print is a fingerprint left in gum?

Plastic print.

What type of print is a bloody fingerprint on a wall?

Patent print.

How have lasers improved the detection of fingerprints?

Lasers enhance the visibility of fingerprints by illuminating them without damaging the surface.

Why is fingerprint detection important in forensics?

It provides a reliable method for identifying suspects and linking them to crime scenes.