Forensic Science - Hair and Fibers Review

The body of a woman was found in the woods. Some hair fibers found on the body were sent to the crime lab for analysis. The ends of the hair attached to the body were gray, but showed that it had been dyed. The distance from the root of the hair to the beginning of the dyed area measured 8 mm. Investigators determined that the victim’s hair had last been dyed on August 1, 2004. Assuming the hair grows at a rate of 0.44 mm per day, approximately what date did the woman die?

• August 4, 2004

• August 18, 2004

• August 19, 2004

• August 25, 2004

Carpet fibers from the victim's house end up on the suspect's clothing. This is considered _______________ transfer.

• direct

• secondary

• primary

• indirect

Which of the following is NOT a microscopic property of hair?

• Pigmentation

• Length

• Medulla Pattern

• Cuticle Scale Pattern

Which of the following is an example of a mineral fiber?

• Coir

• Angora

• Asbestos

• Hemp

Fibers are always physical evidence.

• True

• False

Fibers are always tested for chemical properties regardless of the sample size.

• True

• False

Natural fibers come from ____________.

• animals

• plants

• minerals

• All of these

Which of the following is NOT a property of natural fibers?

• Shrinks away from flame

• Burns to ash

• Tend to melt

• Smell like singed hair

A young child is kidnapped from her school playground. Shown below is a reference sample of the kidnapped child's hair. The only cars that left the parking lot before the child was discovered to be missing were those of four cafeteria workers. The car of each worker was searched below. Which recovered hair, if any, is consistent with that of the victim and warrants further investigation?

• Worker A

• Worker B

• Worker C

• Worker D

Which of the following is an example of an animal fiber?

• Coir

• Silk

• Asbestos

• Hemp