Identification: practice question

A Forensic Medicine question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Forensic Medicine · Identification

Sample item

What property makes fingerprints useful for identification?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Persistent unique ridge patterns

Friction-ridge patterns are highly individual and persist throughout life unless the deep dermis is destroyed, making them a classic identification method.

Option by option

  • A. Pulse rate

    Pulse rate changes with physiology and is not identifying.

  • B. Persistent unique ridge patterns (correct)

    Correct: persistent ridge patterns provide individualizing detail.

  • C. Temporary skin color

    Skin color is not unique and can vary over time.

  • D. Nail growth speed

    Nail growth rate is not sufficiently individualizing.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Forensic Medicine questions

Questions about this Forensic Medicine question

What is the answer to this Forensic Medicine question?

The best answer is B, Persistent unique ridge patterns. Friction-ridge patterns are highly individual and persist throughout life unless the deep dermis is destroyed, making them a classic identification method.

Why is "Pulse rate" not the answer?

Pulse rate changes with physiology and is not identifying.

Why is "Temporary skin color" not the answer?

Skin color is not unique and can vary over time.

Why is "Nail growth speed" not the answer?

Nail growth rate is not sufficiently individualizing.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Identification in Forensic Medicine. The correct option holds because: Correct: persistent ridge patterns provide individualizing detail.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Identification?

Learn postmortem changes with their timelines, and toxicology as poison, sign, test and antidote. Then use the flashcards and the other Forensic Medicine questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.