Deck 1: Introduction

Question 1

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

Answer 1

a. Friction ridges
b. Raised portions of the epidermis on the palmar or plantar skin consisting of one or more connected ridge units

Question 2

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

Answer 2

a. Provides friction to grip objects
b. Creates a rough, textured surface that provides resistance between our hands and anything we touch

Question 3

Where are friction ridges found?

Answer 3

a. Fingers, palms, feet and toes
b. Palmar and plantar surfaces

Question 4

From where does the term "forensic" originate?

Question 5

What is forensic science?

Question 6

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

Question 7

What are the three major facets of forensic science?

Question 8

What is integrity and why is it an important quality for a forensic scientist?

Question 9

What are class characteristics? Give six examples of class characteristics that may be used to describe someone.

Question 10

Give three examples of forensic evidence that displays class characteristics.

Question 11

Fingerprint minutiae are class characteristics.

Question 12

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

Question 13

What are the three fingerprint pattern types?

Question 14

What are the subpatterns of loops?

Question 15

What are the subpatterns of arches?

Question 16

What are the subpatterns of whorls?

Question 17

What are the three fingerprint minutiae types?

Question 18

What is the shortest possible short ridge called?

Question 19

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

Question 20

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

Question 21

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

Question 22

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

Question 23

No two people in the world have the same fingerprints.