History of Fingerprint Systems

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Questions and Answers

What significant event occurred in 1903 related to fingerprint identification?

The FBI's Identification Division was formed.

The first homicide case was solved using fingerprints.

Argentina became the first country to rely solely on fingerprints as identification. (correct)

The Technical Working Group for Friction Ridge Analysis was established.

Which ancient civilization is known for using handprints as evidence during burglary investigations?

Ancient Greece

China (correct)

Ancient Egypt

Ancient Babylon

What was the role of Mary Holland in the development of fingerprinting?

She was the first to discover prehistoric fingerprint evidence.

She was the first American female instructor of fingerprinting. (correct)

She was involved in the first homicide case solved by fingerprints.

She established the Fingerprint Society in 1974.

Which organization was formed in 1924 to focus on fingerprint identification?

FBI's Identification Division Signup and view all the answers

What change occurred in 2014 regarding friction ridge analysis?

SWGFAST was replaced by a new committee for forensic science. Signup and view all the answers

What is a bifurcation in the context of ridge patterns?

A ridge that splits into two small ridges forming a Y shape. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic classified in edgeoscopy?

Twisted edge Signup and view all the answers

What does poroscopy refer to in fingerprint analysis?

Comparison of the sweat pores on palm and sole surfaces. Signup and view all the answers

Which level focuses on specific flow of the ridges in fingerprint patterns?

Second level Signup and view all the answers

Factors affecting the quality of fingerprint impressions include all except:

Quality of the fingertip texture. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a tented arch from a plain arch?

Tented arches have ridges that are discontinuous. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about loops is correct?

A loop can exit on the same side as its entry. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of a central pocket loop?

It features a dual recurve. Signup and view all the answers

How many deltas are generally found in a plain whorl pattern?

Two Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the inner classification of a whorl?

Three or more ridges inside the right delta. Signup and view all the answers

What defines an accidental fingerprint pattern?

It arises by chance or accident. Signup and view all the answers

Which pattern is characterized by two separate loop developments?

Double Loop Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a requirement for a loop pattern?

Two separate delta formations Signup and view all the answers

At what embryonic gestational age (EGA) does thumb rotation begin to be achieved?

10 weeks Signup and view all the answers

What occurs at 15 weeks EGA in terms of ridge formation?

Secondary ridges appear between primary ridges Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of symmetrical volar pads?

They create a whorl or arch pattern Signup and view all the answers

How do ridges on fingerprints align in response to physical compression?

Perpendicularly to the compression Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the distal interphalangeal flexion crease area in fingerprint formation?

It is below the delta(s) in a fingerprint Signup and view all the answers

The primary ridges experience growth in how many directions between 15 and 17 weeks EGA?

Two directions Signup and view all the answers

Which description fits a plain arch fingerprint pattern?

It has a steady flow of ridges across the finger Signup and view all the answers

What event happens at 16 weeks EGA concerning volar pads?

They completely merge with finger contours Signup and view all the answers

What factor affects the weight loss of a latent print over time?

Environmental conditions Signup and view all the answers

Which gland is NOT one of the three primary glands responsible for sweat composition?

Salivary glands Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors affects the pH of sweat?

Sweat rate at the time of deposition Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main problems associated with ridge characteristics in fingerprints?

Poor print quality Signup and view all the answers

Which significant criminal case in 1897 involved fingerprints as key evidence?

Tea garden manager murder Signup and view all the answers

During what period does an eccrine sweat gland typically produce between 700 and 900 grams of sweat?

In a typical 24-hour period Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the sweat pH when it is recovered from the skin surface at a high sweat rate?

Ranges between 6.5 and 7.0 Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the small shapes on a ridge in fingerprint analysis?

Edgeoscopy Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Historical Usage of Fingerprints

Prehistoric hand prints with ridge patterns were discovered in Nova Scotia.
In ancient Babylon, fingerprints were recorded on clay tablets for business transactions.
Chinese records from the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC) used handprints as evidence in burglaries.

Development of Fingerprint Systems

The first homicide solved using fingerprints occurred in the Francisca Rojas case, 1892, Argentina.
In 1903, Argentina became the first country to rely solely on fingerprints for identification.
The FBI's Identification Division was formed in 1924, establishing a more formal fingerprint identification process.
The Fingerprint Society was established in 1974, promoting the scientific study of fingerprints.

Formation of Fingerprints

Fingerprint formations involve the development of volar pads as early as 8 weeks EGA (Estimated Gestational Age).
Primary and secondary ridge formations begin between 10 to 17 weeks EGA, influenced by epidermal cell division.
Unique ridge characteristics are influenced by the shape and size of volar pads, with symmetrical and asymmetrical variations leading to distinct patterns.

Types of Fingerprint Patterns

Fingerprints are categorized into arches, loops, and whorls.
Arches: Continuous ridges without recurrences, including plain and tented arches.
Loops: Ridges that curve back toward the same side, classified into radial loops (toward thumb) and ulnar loops (toward little finger).
Whorls: Have at least two deltas and various forms, such as plain whorls, central pocket loops, double loops, and accidental patterns.

Ridge Characteristics

Fingertips contain intricate ridge patterns, including ridge endings, bifurcations, and trifurcations, with bifurcation being particularly significant for identification.
Edgeoscopy evaluates the unique characteristics of ridge edges, classified into seven types, including straight, convex, and angular edges.
Poroscopy focuses on identifying individuals using sweat pore patterns on ridges.

Identification Levels

First Level: Overall pattern arrangement, not unique enough for individual identification.
Second Level: Details the specific flow of ridges and accidental features.
Third Level: Involves the minutiae of ridge shapes and locations, aiding in unique identification.

Challenges in Fingerprint Analysis

Issues include poor print quality, limited availability of prints, and difficulties in reproduction through normal methods.
The composition of sweat produced by eccrine and apocrine glands varies, with significant factors affecting the quality and availability of latent prints.

Significant Case Studies

The first criminal case solved by fingerprints involved Francisca Rojas in Argentina in 1892.
In India’s first fingerprint case (1897), a murder victim’s fingerprints linked a suspect, Kangali Charan, to a prior theft charge, highlighting the challenges of using fingerprints in judicial proceedings.

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Description

Explore the fascinating history of fingerprint systems from prehistoric times to ancient civilizations. Discover how fingerprints were used in ancient Babylon and China for various purposes, including business transactions and evidence collection. This quiz covers significant developments in the use of fingerprints throughout history.