BSFS General 3

Question 1

What distinguishes 'class characteristics' from 'individual characteristics' in physical evidence?

Accepted Answer

Class characteristics narrow evidence to a group; individual characteristics identify a unique source

Answer

Class characteristics link evidence to a group (e.g., shoe brand), while individual characteristics uniquely identify a single source (e.g., specific wear marks).

Question 2

In questioned document examination, what is 'indented writing'?

Accepted Answer

Impressions left on underlying pages when writing on a top sheet

Answer

Indented writing refers to impressions made on underlying sheets when pressure from writing on a top page transfers to the pages below.

Question 3

What is the primary purpose of forensic odontology?

Accepted Answer

Analyzing bite marks and identifying individuals through dental records

Answer

Forensic odontology uses dental records, bite mark analysis, and dental comparisons to identify deceased individuals or link suspects to crimes.

Question 4

Which of the following best describes 'luminol' and its use in crime scene investigation?

Accepted Answer

A chemiluminescent reagent that reacts with iron in hemoglobin to detect trace blood

Answer

Luminol reacts with the iron in hemoglobin to produce a blue chemiluminescent glow, allowing investigators to detect blood even after cleaning attempts.

Question 5

What is the significance of 'rigor mortis' in determining time of death?

Accepted Answer

It provides a general time window by the progression and resolution of muscle stiffening

Answer

Rigor mortis begins a few hours after death, peaks around 12 hours, and resolves by 24–48 hours, helping estimate the postmortem interval.

BSFS - Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science Practice Test

BSFS - Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science Practice Test

BSFS General 3