Questions Set-1_Fingerprints

Questions Based on Fingerprints

Q1. Which of the following characteristics describes a double loop whorl fingerprint pattern?

a. Ridges flow in a circular or near-circular pattern with multiple deltas.

b. Two separate loop formations with two separate and distinct sets of shoulders and two deltas.

c. Ridges flow in parallel lines or waves resembling the lines on a piece of paper.

d. Ridges flow inward and then recurve back to the direction of origin

ANSWER:

b. Two separate loop formations with two separate and distinct sets of shoulders and two deltas.

EXPLANATION:

In double loop whorl fingerprint pattern, the ridges form two separate loop patterns with separate cores. This means that the pattern consists of two distinct loops, each with its own core (the point where the ridges turn back in the opposite direction).

A double loop whorl fingerprint pattern consists of two separate loop formations that are interconnected. It is characterized by:

• Two distinct sets of shoulders (the points where the ridges curve in and out).

• Two deltas (triangular areas where the ridges meet or diverge).

Q2. Which type of fingerprint pattern has ridges that flow inward and then recurve back to the direction of origin, forming a loop pattern with a ridge count of one?

a. Radial loop

b. Ulnar loop

c. Plain loop

d. Tented loop

ANSWER:

a. Radial loop

EXPLANATION:

A radial loop is a type of fingerprint pattern where the ridges flow inward and recurve back in the direction of the thumb (toward the radial side of the hand). This is in contrast to the ulnar loop, which recurs in the opposite direction (toward the little finger or ulnar side of the hand). The radial loop has a ridge count of one, which indicates that the ridge pattern makes one complete loop.

Q3. Which fingerprint minutiae feature refers to a ridge that splits into two separate ridges?

a. Bifurcation

b. Ridge ending

c. Island

d. Dot

ANSWER:

a. Bifurcation

EXPLANATION:

A bifurcation occurs when a single ridge splits into two separate ridges. This is a key feature in fingerprint comparison and is considered a minutia point that is unique to each individual's fingerprint

Q4. What is the key principle behind the reliability of fingerprint identification in forensic science?

a. The uniqueness of ridge patterns in the human population

b. The permanence of a person’s fingerprints from birth to death

c. The similarity between a fingerprint and other biometric systems

d. Both a and b

ANSWER:

d. Both a and b

EXPLANATION:

The key principles behind the reliability of fingerprint identification are the uniqueness of ridge patterns and their permanence throughout a person's life. While environmental factors can cause temporary changes to skin appearance (such as scars or wear), the fundamental ridge structure does not change.

Q5. Which method of fingerprint development is best suited for use on a non-porous surface, such as glass or metal?

a. Ninhydrin

b. Superglue fuming

c. Iodine fuming

d. Silver nitrate

ANSWER:

b. Superglue fuming

EXPLANATION:

Superglue fuming (cyanoacrylate fuming) is particularly effective for non-porous surfaces like glass, plastic, and metal. When exposed to heat, cyanoacrylate vapors adhere to the fingerprint residues, creating a white, visible print. This method works well on smooth, non-porous surfaces that other methods like ninhydrin cannot affect effectively.

Q6. What is the main limitation of Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS)?

a. They can only match fingerprints from a limited number of sources

b. They require prints from both hands for accurate identification

c. They rely solely on ridge count, which can be inaccurate

d. They cannot handle partial or degraded fingerprints

ANSWER:

d. They cannot handle partial or degraded fingerprints

EXPLANATION:

While AFIS is highly effective at comparing high-quality fingerprints, it can struggle with partial, degraded, or distorted prints, which may not provide enough minutiae or ridge detail for a reliable match. AFIS systems are better suited to clear, high-quality prints and may require additional human verification for unclear or incomplete prints.

Q7. What is the key difference between "latent" fingerprints and "patent" fingerprints?

a. Latent fingerprints are visible to the naked eye, while patent prints are not

b. Latent fingerprints are left in residue, while patent prints are left by direct contact with a surface

c. Latent fingerprints are always useful for identification, while patent prints are not

d. Latent fingerprints are left in ink, while patent prints are left in sweat

ANSWER:

b. Latent fingerprints are left in residue, while patent prints are left by direct contact with a surface

EXPLANATION:

Latent fingerprints are invisible to the naked eye and are made visible through chemical processes or powder. They are left by oils, sweat, or other residues. In contrast, patent fingerprints are visible without enhancement, typically left by ink, blood, or other substances when a person touches a surface directly.

Q8. Which type of fingerprint pattern has ridges that flow in a circular or spiral pattern, with two or more deltas present?

a. Plain whorl

b. Central pocket whorl

c. Double loop whorl

d. Accidental whorl

ANSWER:

d. Accidental whorl

EXPLANATION:

Accidental whorls are characterised by ridges that flow in circular or spiral pattern, with two or more deltas present, with the exception of plain arch.

Q9. Which type of arch pattern do the ridges rise in the center and form a spike or triangular shape?

a. Plain arch

b. Tented arch

c. Double arch

d. Composite arch

ANSWER:

b. tented arch

EXPLANATION:

A tented arch is a type of fingerprint pattern where the ridges rise sharply in the center, forming a peak or a triangular shape that resembles a tent. Here's a breakdown of the key features:

1. Central Spike: Unlike the smooth curve of a plain arch, a tented arch has a noticeable spike or an upward thrust at the center.

2. Sharp Angle: The ridges often meet at an angle, creating a triangle-like formation.

3. Unique Look: This pattern stands out because of its more pronounced and steep ridges compared to other arch patterns.

Q10. Who discovered poroscopy (the study of sweat pores on friction ridges)?

a. Edward Henry

b. Francis Galton

c. William Herschell

d. Edmund Locard

ANSWER:

d. Edmund locard

Content Writer:- Bhawana Sharma