Fingerprint Test Study Guide

Forensic Science Fingerprint Test Study Guide

Vocabulary: Define each of the following terms listed below

Plastic Print Loop Ulnar Bifurcation Latent Print Arch Radial Enclosure Patent Print Whorl Delta Ending Ridge Short Ridge Ridge Dot AFIS Porous Nonporous

 Be prepared to identify loops, arches, whorls (all types, including radial and ulnar loops and the arch & whorl subcategories)  Be prepared to identify ridge characteristics (bifurcation, enclosure, etc.)  Be prepared to make matches of prints (Do these fingerprints match?) Questions: 1. What substances make up fingerprint waste? 2. ( T or F ) Fingerprints are formed in the womb. 3. ( T or F ) Individual ridge characteristics of fingerprints can change over time. (This would be a great essay topic, with you using EVIDENCE as to why it is true or false!) 4. Give 2 examples of plastic, patent and latent prints. 5. What percentage of the world has: A. Arches B. Loops C. Whorls

6. Draw examples of a loop, arch, and a whorl fingerprint. 7. How many deltas do arches, loops, and whorls contain? 8. What is the standard number of points of comparison to call two prints a match? 9. ( T or F ) Identical twins have the same fingerprints. 10. What are the ways that we can visualize (see) latent fingerprints on surfaces? (both porous and nonporous) What would you use to process? (dusting or chemical means)