Unit 4: Hair evidence

Multiple Choice

the passing of evidence, such as fiber, from victim to suspect or vice versa.

• polymer

• monomer

• secondary transfer

• direct transfer

Multiple Choice

the smallest indivisible unit of a textile, it must be at least 100 times longer than wide.

• fiber

• yarn

• textile

• monomer

Multiple Choice

The ability to establish the exact whereabouts of an item of evidence and under whose control it was from its collection at the crime scene to its presentation in the courtroom and everywhere in between is called

• chain of command
• record of evidence
• chain of custody

Multiple Choice

An eyewitness statement is an example of

• direct evidence

• circumstantial evidence

Multiple Choice

A clothing fiber found at a crime scene is an example of

• direct evidence

• circumstantial evidence

Open Ended

What are some microscopic features of hair that forensic scientists examine to distinguish between individuals or species?

Multiple Choice

Why is hair evidence important in forensic investigations?

• It can link a suspect to a crime scene

• It is always unique to one person

• It cannot be contaminated

• It is the easiest evidence to analyze

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is NOT a reason why hair is considered less reliable for establishing identity in a crime scene?

• It is not possible to show with certainty that two hairs came from the same person or animal.

• Hair can be used to rule out certain suspects or scenarios.

• Hair can only corroborate other physical evidence if consistent with the rest of the evidence.

• Hair is always unique to each individual.

Multiple Select

Hair analysis can help determine which of the following?

• Whether the hair is from a human or animal

• The exact identity of the individual

• The presence of drugs or heavy metals

• The body region from which the hair came

Multiple Choice

What is secondary transfer in the context of hair evidence at a crime scene?

• When hair is transferred from one person to another directly

• When hair is transferred from a source to another location via an intermediate object or person

• When hair is analyzed for DNA evidence

• When animal hair is mistaken for human hair

Open Ended

Explain the structure and function of the hair follicle and the hair shaft, including their main components.

Multiple Choice

Which part of the hair is responsible for protecting the hair and is made of overlapping scales?

• Cuticle

• Cortex

• Medulla

• Follicle

Open Ended

Explain how the two main pigments found in the cortex contribute to hair color in humans.

Multiple Select

Which of the following are true about differences in hair cross sections and texture?

• Curly hair has a circular cross section.

• Straight hair has a flattened cross section.

• Texture can be coarse or fine.

• Cross section influences the curl of the hair.

Open Ended

How can differences in hair be used in forensic investigations for identification or exclusion?

Multiple Choice

Which two types of hair are most commonly found at crime scenes?

• Head and pubic hair

• Facial and body hair

• Eyebrow and eyelash hair

• Beard and mustache hair

Open Ended

Explain how the appearance of the distal tip of a hair shaft can help forensic scientists estimate the time since the last haircut.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following methods of cutting hair is most likely to leave a tip that is partially compressed?

• Scissors (freshly cut)

• Uncut

• Razor

• Clippers

Multiple Select

Which of the following are effects of chemically treating hair?

• Traces of chemicals remain in the hair

• Hair becomes more brittle

• Pigment granules are removed by bleaching

• Hair becomes thicker

Multiple Choice

Which characteristic is most useful for distinguishing between European, Asian, and African hair?

• Pigment granules

• Cross section shape

• Appearance (straight, wavy, or curly)

• All of the above

Open Ended

Describe the process and significance of testing for substances in the hair shaft in forensic investigations.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is NOT a recommended method for collecting hair as evidence at a crime scene?

• Using tweezers to pick up visible strands

• Using tape lift to collect hairs

• Placing hair in paper bindles

• Washing the hair before storing

Open Ended

Explain how the use of different types of microscopes can contribute to the forensic analysis of hair evidence.

Open Ended

How can microscopic analysis of hair structure help forensic scientists in criminal investigations?