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Quiz: Can you spot the matching fingerprints? | New Scientist - Free Printable

Quiz: Can you spot the matching fingerprints? | New Scientist

Educational worksheet: Quiz: Can you spot the matching fingerprints? | New Scientist. Download and print for classroom or home learning activities.

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Show Answer Key & Explanations Step-by-step solution for: Quiz: Can you spot the matching fingerprints? | New Scientist
The image you've provided contains two fingerprint impressions side by side, with a metric ruler on the left for scale. The task appears to involve analyzing or comparing these fingerprints, likely for identification or classification purposes.

Step-by-Step Analysis:



1. Understanding the Fingerprints:
- Left Fingerprint: This is a partial and somewhat smudged impression. It shows ridge patterns but lacks clarity due to poor quality (possibly from incomplete pressure or surface contamination).
- Right Fingerprint: This is a clear, well-defined fingerprint with distinct ridge patterns. It appears to be a full impression of a finger, showing a looping pattern.

2. Fingerprint Classification:
- Fingerprint patterns are generally classified into three main types:
- Loops: Ridges enter from one side, curve, and exit on the same side.
- Whorls: Circular or spiral patterns.
- Arches: Ridges enter from one side and exit on the opposite side.
- The right fingerprint clearly shows a loop pattern, specifically an ulnar loop (the ridge enters from the pinky side and curves toward the thumb).

3. Comparison:
- The left fingerprint appears to be a partial print of the same finger as the right one, based on the similarity in ridge flow and overall shape.
- However, due to the smudging and lack of detail, it's difficult to make a definitive match without further analysis.

4. Purpose of the Task:
- The task could be to:
- Identify the type of fingerprint pattern.
- Determine if both prints belong to the same individual.
- Assess the quality of the prints for forensic use.

5. Conclusion:
- The right fingerprint is a clear ulnar loop pattern.
- The left fingerprint is a degraded version of a similar pattern, possibly from the same finger.
- Without additional data (e.g., minutiae points like ridge endings and bifurcations), a conclusive match cannot be made.

Final Answer:


The right fingerprint is a clear ulnar loop, while the left is a smudged partial print that may belong to the same finger. A definitive match would require more detailed analysis of ridge characteristics.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of comparing fingerprints worksheet.
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