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.

Try it

Forensic Medicine · Identification

Sample item

Which feature is generally considered a primary method of identifying an unknown deceased person?

AClothing colour at the sceneBComparison of dental recordsCA witness description of hairstyleDEstimated body weight only

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Comparison of dental records

Dental comparison can provide a primary identification when antemortem records are available because dental features are durable and individualizing.

Option by option

A. Clothing colour at the scene
Clothing can support recognition but is not a primary identifier alone.
B. Comparison of dental records (correct)
Correct: dental records can be compared systematically for identification.
C. A witness description of hairstyle
Hairstyle descriptions are changeable and weak identifiers.
D. Estimated body weight only
Body weight is too variable and nonspecific for primary identification.

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.

Questions about this Forensic Medicine question

What is the answer to this Forensic Medicine question?

The best answer is B, Comparison of dental records. Dental comparison can provide a primary identification when antemortem records are available because dental features are durable and individualizing.

Why is "Clothing colour at the scene" not the answer?

Clothing can support recognition but is not a primary identifier alone.

Why is "A witness description of hairstyle" not the answer?

Hairstyle descriptions are changeable and weak identifiers.

Why is "Estimated body weight only" not the answer?

Body weight is too variable and nonspecific for primary identification.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Identification in Forensic Medicine. The correct option holds because: Correct: dental records can be compared systematically for identification.

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.