MCQs on Hair and Fiber Evidence

hair and fiber evidence

1. Which of the following statements about hair and fiber evidence is true?

a) Hair can provide DNA evidence, while fibers cannot.

b) Fiber evidence is more reliable than hair evidence.

c) Hair and fibers can be used to determine the race or ethnicity of an individual.

d) Both hair and fibers can transfer from a suspect to a victim.

Answer: d) Both hair and fibers can transfer from a suspect to a victim.

Also Read: Difference between Hair and Fiber

Explanation:

a) is incorrect because hair and fibers can potentially provide DNA evidence. Hair follicles have the potential to contain nuclear DNA, while fibers can retain cellular material, such as sweat or skin cells, that may contain DNA.

b) is incorrect because the reliability of hair and fiber evidence depends on various factors, such as the quality and quantity of the evidence, the context in which it is found, and the analytical techniques used for examination. The reliability cannot be generalized to favor one type of evidence over the other.

c) is incorrect because hair and fiber evidence alone cannot determine the race or ethnicity of an individual. While specific characteristics of hair, such as its texture or color, may be more common in specific racial or ethnic groups, these features cannot definitively determine an individual’s race or ethnicity.

d) is correct because both hair and fibers can transfer from a suspect to a victim or vice versa. Hair can be shed or transferred during physical contact, such as during an altercation or when an individual touches an object. Similarly, fibers from clothing, carpets, or other sources can be transferred between individuals or locations, providing valuable evidence in forensic investigations.

2. Which of the following statements about hair and fiber analysis is true?

a) Hair and fiber analysis can determine the exact source of the hair or fiber.

b) Hair and fiber analysis can determine the time of deposition of the hair or fiber.

c) Hair and fiber analysis can determine the gender of an individual.

d) Hair and fiber analysis can provide information about the potential source or contact with certain materials.

Answer: d) Hair and fiber analysis can provide information about the potential source or contact with certain materials.

Explanation:

a) is incorrect because hair and fiber analysis alone cannot determine the exact source of the hair or fiber. While hair can provide information about human or animal origin, it is generally not possible to determine the specific individual it came from. Similarly, fiber analysis can identify the type of fiber but not the precise source.

b) is incorrect because hair and fiber analysis cannot determine the time of deposition of the hair or fiber.

c) is incorrect because hair and fiber analysis cannot determine the gender of an individual. While certain features of hair, such as length or pattern, may vary between genders, they are not definitive indicators of gender.

d) is correct because hair and fiber analysis can provide information about the potential source or contact with certain materials. For example, hair analysis can reveal if an individual has been in contact with drugs, chemicals, or specific environmental factors. Fiber analysis can determine the type of fiber and potentially link it to a particular textile or material, aiding in identifying sources or connections in a forensic investigation.

3: Which of the following types of fibers is derived from plants?

a) Wool fibers

b) Nylon fibers

c) Silk fibers

d) Cotton fibers

Answer: d) Cotton fibers

Explanation:

a) is incorrect because wool fibers are derived from animal sources, such as sheep.

b) is incorrect because nylon fibers are synthetic and derived from petroleum-based products.

c) is incorrect because silk fibers are derived from the cocoons of silkworms.

d) is correct because cotton fibers are derived from the cotton plant. Cotton is a natural fiber widely used in the textile industry.

4. Which of the following characteristics can be examined in hair analysis?

a) Hair color and texture

b) Medullary index and scale pattern

c) Cuticle thickness and twist direction

d) All of the above

Answer: d) All of the above

Explanation:

a) is correct because hair analysis can examine hair color and texture, which can provide valuable information in forensic investigations.

b) is correct because hair analysis involves studying the medullary index (the relative size of the medulla within the hair shaft) and the scale pattern (the pattern and arrangement of the cuticle scales along the hair shaft).

c) is correct because hair analysis can also examine the cuticle thickness and twist direction, which can provide additional information for comparison and identification purposes.

Hence, all of the choices are correct.

5. Which of the following is NOT a method commonly used for fiber analysis?

a) Microscopy

b) DNA sequencing

c) Chemical analysis

d) Optical microscopy

Answer: b) DNA sequencing

Explanation:

a) is incorrect because it involves examining fibers under a microscope to observe their physical characteristics, such as color, shape, size, and surface features.

b) is correct because DNA sequencing is not a commonly used method for fiber analysis. While DNA sequencing can be used for analyzing biological evidence, such as hair follicles, it is not typically used for analyzing fibers.

c) is incorrect because chemical analysis is commonly used for testing fibers for the presence of specific substances or chemicals, which can provide influential information about their composition and origin. d) is incorrect because optical microscopy allows for detailed examination of fibers under various lighting conditions, enabling the identification of specific characteristics or features that aid in their analysis and comparison.

d) is incorrect because optical microscopy allows for detailed examination of fibers under various lighting conditions, enabling the identification of specific characteristics or features that aid in their analysis and comparison.

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