FINAL EXAMINATION

Personal Identification
By: Prof. Abby Permato
1. The term 'winnowing basket' is associated with which fingerprint pattern?
A.Whorl
B.Arch
C.Loop
D. Ridge
2. Investigators found latent fingerprints on a broken window at a burglary
scene. What should they do first?
A. Spray water to clean the surface
B. Immediately dust for prints and photograph them
C. Ignore them until a suspect is caught
D. Break more glass to check for prints
3. Entering on a fingerprint record card of all known essential data about a
subject.
A. Classification Formula
B. Filling Out
C. Sequencing
D. Filing
4. Ridge patterns in dermatoglyphics are classified based on their appearance on
the:
A.Skin
B.Bones
C.Muscles
D. Hair
5. What is the medical term for abnormally large fingers or toes?
A.Brachydactyly
B.Ectrodactyly
C.Macrodactyly
D. Polydactyly
6. A robbery took place at a jewelry store near SM Calamba. Investigators found
a clear fingerprint on the glass display case. What should be the next
appropriate step?
A. Wipe the print to protect the glass
 B. Photograph and lift the print for analysis
C. Match it with DNA records
D. Ignore it if the suspect is unknown
7. In the previous question, when the suspect was found, he claims that he never
touched the stolen item, yet his fingerprints are found on it. What does this
suggest?
A. He may have been framed
B. He definitely stole it
C. He had contact with the item at some point
D. Fingerprints are unreliable
8. What does “glyphe” mean in Ancient Greek?
A. Ridge
B. Carve
C. Draw
D. Print
9. Why is it that the fingerprint system in China considered incomplete?
A. It was never recorded
B. It lacked any pattern naming
C. It did not include identification
D. There was no classification system
10. In the Philippine legal system, why is expert testimony on fingerprint
comparison necessary?
A. To lengthen court proceedings
B. To support the defense
C. To help the court understand scientific analysis and determine match validity
D. To accuse the suspect directly
11. Which of the following best describes China's approach to fingerprint study in
BC 200s?
A. Scientific and classified
B. Symbolic but not systematic
C. Digital and technological
D. Ignorant and unnoted
12. If the traced ridge reached the relative point nearest the right delta and goes
above or inside it and there are 3 or more intervening ridges between the
traced ridge and the right delta, it is considered as an inner whorl.
A. Meeting
B. Inner
C. Outer
D. Crossover
13. What is the primary purpose of fingerprint classification?
A. To analyze DNA
B. To match hair samples
C. To locate a fingerprint record quickly
D. To determine age
14. He printed the palm of natives as to avoid impersonation and as a substitute to
signature.
a. Francis Galton
b. Sir William Hershel
c. Dr. Paul Kirk
d. Marcelo Malpighi
15. Classification in fingerprinting involves:
A. Cleaning fingerprints
B. Taking a photo of the suspect
C. Arranging fingerprint data in a systematic way
D. Matching fingerprints with blood samples
16. What does a classification formula represent in fingerprint records?
A. A fingerprint's color
B. A person’s genetic profile
C. A numerical and alphabetical code based on ridge patterns
D. The person’s address
17. A latent print developed using powder on a crime scene object shows a clear
loop pattern. What is the most likely next step in forensic processing?
A. Discard the print as it is not a whorl
B. Manually compare the loop to known fingerprint cards
C. Use facial recognition software
D. Cut the object to preserve it
18. Which of the following is true?
A. China developed a complete fingerprint identification system
B. Fingerprint identification began in Europe
C. India used fingerprints for identification before classification systems were
developed
D. The Qin Dynasty invented fingerprint ink
19. It is regarded as the study of the ridge patterns of the skin.
A. Osteology
B. Dermatoglyphics
C. Criminology
D. Histology
20. Which process helps examiners identify and sort fingerprint records
efficiently in large systems?
 A. Blocking
B. Filing
C. Classification
D. Indexing
21. Dermatoglyphics focuses on ridge patterns found on the:
A. Head and chest
B. Arms and legs
C. Palms, fingers, soles, and toes
D. Neck and back
22. It is process of locating the proper place in a fingerprint file.
A. Classification
B. Blocking
C. Filing
D. Search
23. Why are fingerprints reliable in criminal investigations?
A. They are random
B. They change over time
C. They are unique and permanent
D. They are easy to forge
24. A police officer discovers a partial latent fingerprint at a crime scene. Which
surface is most likely to retain a latent print?
A. A dusty curtain
B. A textured wall
C. A glass window
D. A carpet floor
25. What comes first in the fingerprint classification process?
A. Searching the database
B. Blocking the fingerprint patterns
C. Filing the card
D. Photographing the subject
26. In fingerprint analysis, blocking is important because it helps to:
A. Record the date of birth
B. Mark the suspect's identity
C. Identify the type of fingerprint pattern
D. Create a mugshot
27. Which collection method is most appropriate for gathering prints from non-
porous surfaces at a crime scene?
A. Chemical fuming
B. Ink rolling
 C. Dusting with powder and lifting with tape
D. Paper blotting
28. Fingerprint evidence plays a crucial role in:
A. Determining age
B. Classifying skin tone
C. Solving crimes
D. DNA sequencing
29. Failure to identify a suspect using fingerprints may lead to:
A. Better court efficiency
B. Delay in investigations
C. No change
D. Faster suspect release
30. The purpose of this is to verify the order of the rolled impressions and to show
certain characteristics that are sometimes distorted in the rolled prints.
A. Plain Impression
B. Rolled Impression
C. Latent Prints
D. Latent to Latent Impression
31. A ________ must always intervene between the delta and the first ridge to be
counted.
A. White line
B. White space
C. White blank
D. White ridge
32. While investigating a bank robbery case, a police officer uses fingerprint
identification to narrow down suspects. What makes fingerprints ideal for this
purpose?
A. They can be seen with the naked eye
B. Fingerprint is unique and infallible
C. Fingerprints are easy to fake
D. Fingerprints only apply to criminals
33. What does “chain of custody” ensure in relation to fingerprint evidence?
A. That the suspect is convicted
B. That the evidence is replaced before trial
C. That the transfer and handling of evidence are documented and unbroken
D. That media coverage is restricted
34. It states that the friction ridge once fully developed, its arrangement will
remains the same throughout the man’s life.
A. Principle of Individuality
B. Principle of Constancy
 C. Principle of Infallibility
D. Principle of Womb to Tomb
35. Expressed as numerators and denominators with a pre-established fraction of
1/1 to complete the Primary Division.
A. Primary Classification
B. Secondary Classification
C. Major Classification
D. Key Classification
36. A crime scene has been contaminated due to heavy rain, washing away
evidence. Which fingerprint type is least likely to survive this?
A. Plastic
B. Patent
C. Latent
D. DNA
37. A child is born with unusually short fingers. Which diagnosis is most likely?
A. Macrodactyly
B. Brachydactyly
C. Polydactyly
D. Clubbed fingers
38. States that fingerprint cannot be easily forged.
A. Principle of Individuality
B. Principle of Constancy
C. Principle of Infallibility
D. Principle of Womb to Tomb
39. What makes fingerprint identification valuable in cold cases?
A. Fingerprints dissolve in time
B. Fingerprints change over decades
C. Fingerprints remain unchanged over time
D. Fingerprints are no longer valid in court
40. In primary division, pair number three is represented by:
A. Right ring and right middle
B. Left thumb and right little
C. Right thumb and left little
D. Left index and left middle
41. It is the other term for outer terminus.
a. Core
b. Delta
c. Focal Point
d. Ridge Details
42. In 1879, he began studying the body measurements of various individuals and
devised anthropometry, which was first put to use in 1882.
a. Sir William Herschel
b. Alphonse Bertillon
c. Dr. Paul Kirk
d. Edmond Locard
43. What ethical responsibility does a fingerprint examiner have when reporting
findings?
A. To support law enforcement no matter what
B. To exaggerate results for court impact
C. To present findings truthfully, even if they don’t support a case
D. To withhold complex information
44. In fingerprint analysis, blocking is important because it helps to:
A. Record the date of birth
B. Mark the suspect's identity
C. Identify the type of fingerprint pattern
D. Create a mugshot
45. Is the coursing on the lower contour of the ridge till it ends at the relative
point in front of the right delta.
a. Ridge Counting C. Ridge Relation
b. Ridge Tracing D. Ridge Characteristics
46. It is the verbal and accurate description of an individual.
a. Bertillon System C. Portrait Parle
b. Roscher System D. Bertillon System
47. Sub-Secondary Division is obtained by ridge counting a loop and ridge tracing
a whorl of the following fingers, except:
a. Thumb C. Middle
b. Index D. Ring
48. There are ___ general types of fingerprint patterns.
a. 1
b. 2
c. 3
d. 4
49. Why is the classification formula essential in fingerprint bureaus like the NBI?
A. To hide identities
B. To allow random sorting
C. To enable systematic searching and retrieval
D. To encrypt fingerprint data
50. What technology is commonly used by the PNP in matching fingerprint
evidence?
 A. DNA typing system
B. Polygraph machine
C. AFIS (Automated Fingerprint Identification System)
D. Facial recognition scanner
51. These are fingerprint patterns made on the card by simply pressing the four
fingers on it at a slight angle.
a. Rolled Impression
b. Plain Impression
c. Ridge Characteristics
d. Latent Prints
52. What role does a fingerprint examiner play in presenting fingerprint evidence
in court?
A. Police investigator
B. Lay witness
C. Expert witness
D. Defense attorney
53. Which of the following is least likely to interfere with taking a full fingerprint?
A.Ectrodactyly
B.Brachydactyly
C.Macrodactyly
D. All interfere equally
54. AFIS in fingerprint stands for?
A. Automatic Fingerprint Identification System
B. Automated Fingerprint Information System
C. Automated Fingerprint Identification System
D. Automated Fingerprint Illustration System
55. These are made by rolling the finger or thumb from nail edge to nail edge.
They are made to show the entire friction surface of the finger or thumb, from
the tip to one quarter inch below the first joint.
A. Rolled Impression
B. Plain Impression
C. Latent Print
D. Smudge Prints
56. If all fingers are missing, all shall be treated as what kind of fingerprint
pattern?
A. Plain Arch
B. Tented Arch
C. Ulnar Loop
D. Plain Whorl
57. It is the study of body measurements for identification purpose.
 a. Personal Identification
b. Forensic Science
c. Anthropometry
d. Anthropology
58. It is the process of counting the number of ridges that touch or cross the line of
count drawn between the delta and core of loop patterns.
A. Ridges
B. Ridge Tracing
C. Ridge Counting
D. Ridge Allotment
59. If the traced ridge reached the relative point nearest the right delta and goes
above or inside it and there are 3 or more intervening ridges between the
traced ridge and the right delta, it is considered as what type of whorl in a
ridge trace?
A. Inner
B. Meeting
C. Outer
D. Crossover
60. The Chinese referred to loops in fingerprints as resemblance of what object?
A. Drum
B. Basket
C. Ladder
D. Net
61. What key legal principle allows fingerprint examiners to testify as expert
witnesses?
A. Miranda rights
B. Chain of command
C. Rule of evidence and expert qualification
D. Cross-examination immunity
62. Which of the following could result from failure of fingerprint identification?
A. Faster trials
B. More suspects found
C. Perpetrator not being identified
D. Easier investigations
63. An investigator finds two sets of fingerprints on a stolen mobile phone—one
belongs to the owner. What should be done next with the unknown set?
A. Destroy the phone to protect evidence
B. Ignore it
C. Compare it with the tenprints stored in AFIS
D. Assume it's irrelevant
64. If a fingerprint expert testifies in court about a match of fingerprints found in
a crime scene, what is expected of the evidence?
A. It must be supported by confessions
B. It must be based on scientific analysis and proper documentation
C. It is always based on guesswork
D. It should not be challenged in court
65. What is the congenital absence of one or more fingers or toes called?
A. Macrodactyly
B. Polydactyly
C. Brachydactyly
D. Ectrodactyly
66. During a robbery trial, the fingerprint examiner presents an analysis of latent
prints found on the cash register. What is required for the examiner’s
testimony to be credible in court?
A. Personal opinion
B. Eyewitness confirmation
C. Scientific methodology and expert qualification
D. Lie detector results
67. When the ridge goes outside and there are three or more intervening ridges.
A. Outer
B. Inner
C. Middle
D. Ridge Tracing
68. Why is it important to collect fingerprint evidence properly at a crime scene?
A. To avoid DNA contamination
B. To prevent objections in court
C. To preserve print clarity and admissibility
D. To find blood evidence
69. Where the line crosses an island, both sides are __________.
A. Traced
B. Counted
C. Drawn
D. Appeared
70. A fingerprint examiner finds two similar but not identical ridge patterns
between a latent print and a known sample. What should they conclude?
A. It is a definite match
B. It is an exclusion
C. It is inconclusive
D. It proves guilt
71. A print examiner concludes a match after examining 12 matching minutiae
points. The defense argues only 10 are visible. What should the expert do?
A. Change their opinion
B. Dismiss the defense
C. Re-explain the method and offer clarity on matching points
D. Refuse to testify further
72. A fingerprint examiner testifies that a latent print found on a doorknob is
consistent with the suspect’s fingerprint. What should they present to support
this claim?
A. Verbal assurance
B. A sketch of the crime scene
C. Side-by-side ridge pattern comparison and analysis
D. A fingerprint from the victim
73. What is the process of writing the corresponding symbol below each
fingerprint pattern called?
A. Filing
B. Blocking
C. Recording
D. Labeling
74. Where is the classification formula typically written on a fingerprint chart?
A. Below each fingerprint
B. Next to the photo
C. Above the horizontal line
D. At the bottom of the page
75. Which of the following is not part of the classification formula?
A. Letters
B. Figures
C. Finger ridge flow
D. Horizontal lines
76. What is required for an individual to qualify as an expert witness in fingerprint
identification in court?
A. Law degree
B. Police badge
C. Specialized training and experience in fingerprint analysis
D. Personal acquaintance with the suspect
77. Why fingerprint evidence is considered highly reliable in court?
A. It is based on hair samples
B. Fingerprints change over time
C. No two people have the same fingerprints
D. It’s easier to find than DNA
78. During a robbery trial, the fingerprint examiner presents an analysis of latent
prints found on the cash register. What is required for the examiner’s
testimony to be credible in court?
A. Personal opinion
B. Eyewitness confirmation
C. Scientific methodology and expert qualification
D. Lie detector results
79. What ethical responsibility does a fingerprint examiner have when reporting
findings?
A. To support law enforcement no matter what
B. To exaggerate results for court impact
C. To present findings truthfully, even if they don’t support a case
D. To withhold complex information
80. Means the placing of a group of classified sets into their correct filing order.
A. Sequencing
B. Filling Out
C. Filing
D. Blocking
81. This classification system is the summation of all numerical value designated
only to whorl patterns appearing in a fingerprint chart.
E. Primary Classification
F. Secondary Classification
G. Major Classification
H. Key Classification
82. What is the primary purpose of using the pre-established fraction of 1/1 in
fingerprint classification?
A. To record the suspect's age
B. To identify left-handed individuals
C. To complete the Primary Classification for proper filing in the fingerprint
repository
D. To measure fingerprint size
83. In case of a missing finger, how shall we interpret this in the fingerprint card?
A. The pattern of the corresponding digit of the other hand will be taken.
B. It will be treated as plain whorl with meeting tracing.
C. It will be treated as central pocket loop whorl with meeting tracing.
D .Plain whorls with meeting tracing
84. They are the two innermost ridges that are running parallel or nearly parallel
with each other which diverge at a certain point tending to surround the
pattern area.
a. Typelines C. Bifurcating Ridge
 b. Enclosure D. Divergence
85. They appear as black lines in the standard fingerprint card.
a. Ridges C. Valleys
b. Furrows D. Bifurcation
86. How do we obtain Sub-Secondary Division?
a. By ridge counting a loop and ridge tracing a whorl in thumb
b. By ridge counting a loop and ridge tracing a whorl in index, middle and ring
fingers
c. By ridge counting a loop in index finger
d. By ridge counting a loop and a whorl in little finger
87. A method of personal identification by means of measuring the various bony
parts of a person.
a. Anthropometry C. Antrophometry
b. Anthrophometry D. Antropometry
88. States that fingerprint is “Incapable of Error” meaning cannot err or commit
mistake.
a. Principle of constancy
b. Principle of Infallibility
C. Principle of Variation
D. Principle of Individuality
89. Accidental whorl is a combination of two different types of pattern, except:
A. Tented arch C. Plain arch
B. Ulnar loop D. Radial loop
90. It is the other term for Inner Terminus.
a. Delta C. Appendage
b. Core D. Obstruction
91. What is the scientific basis for using fingerprints as a means of personal
identification?
A. DNA structure
B. Fingerprints are unique and do not change over a person’s lifetime
C. Fingerprints reflect personality traits
D. Fingerprints match blood types
92. What is the most critical reason for maintaining a proper chain of custody in
fingerprint evidence?
A. To impress the judge
B. To establish that the evidence has not been altered or compromised
C. To delay the trial process
D. To guarantee police control of the evidence
93. What is a major problem with many latent fingerprints found at crime scenes?
A. They are always too perfect
 B. They are often incomplete or smudged
C. They are visible without processing
D. They never match anyone in the database
94. What limitation does AFIS face when a suspect has no prior record?
A. The system will crash
B. The prints will be erased
C. No match will be found because their fingerprints are not in the database
D. The person is automatically cleared
95. Which statement best summarizes the overall challenge with fingerprint
evidence?
A. It is outdated and unreliable
B. It is completely foolproof
C. It is reliable but subject to limitations like quality, human error, and technological
dependency
D. It can replace all other evidence
96. Which jurisprudential principle supports the use of fingerprints as direct
evidence linking a person to a crime scene?
A. Exclusionary Rule
B. Corpus delicti
C. Locard’s Exchange Principle
D. Double jeopardy
97. What do fingerprint examiners look for during comparison?
A. DNA sequences
B. Fiber colors
C. Minutiae points such as ridge endings and bifurcations
D. Skin temperature
98. It is a type of fingerprint pattern in which one or more of the ridge flow or
tend to flow from one side of the impression to the other with a rise in the
center.
a. Plain Arch C. Tented Arch
b. Loop D. Plain Whorl
99. What would be the primary division if all patterns are whorl?
a. 31/31 C. 1/1
b. 32/32 D. 30/30
100. The particular joint covered with friction skin having all the different
types of pattern and located near the tip of the finger.
a. Terminal Phalange C. Middle Phalange
b. Basal Phalange D. Proximal Phalange