Forensics Final Review Part 1: Trace Evidence

1. The shaft of the hair is considered class evidence in a trial. Obj. 3.5

• True
• False

2. Hair is composed of a protein called cellulose. Obj. 3.1 and 3.2

• True
• False

3. Investigators recognized the importance of analysis of hair as trace evidence. Obj. 3.2

• True
• False

4. The hair shaft is composed of the cuticle, cortex, and Obj. 3.1 and 3.2

• a) medulla
• b) root
• c) crown
• d) granules

5. Which factors are used to calculate the medullary index of the hair? (obj. 3.6)

• a) scale diameter of cuticle and the length of the hair
• b) width of cortex and the width of the medulla
• c) length of entire hair and the pattern of pigmentation
• d) width of medulla and the width of the hair

6. Human hair has which type(s) of cuticle? Obj. 3.3

• a) imbricate
• b) spinous
• c) coronal
• d) pigmented

7. Which part(s) of the hair can be analyzed for DNA? obj. 3.5

• a) root
• b) cuticle
• c) medulla
• d) cortex

8. The cuticle scales of the hair always point toward the Obj. 3.2 and 3.5

• a) root
• b) medulla
• c) tip of the hair
• d) follicle

9. Natural fibers can be harvested from Obj. 4.4

• a) plants and animals
• b) only from plants
• c) only from animals
• d) plants, animals, and minerals

10. What characteristics of cotton make it a great source of fiber for clothing? Obj. 4.3

• a) It is very easy to grow.
• b) It is resistant to staining.
• c) The fibers are easily woven and dyed.
• d) The fibers are extremely long.