American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) Practice Exam

Bite marks and fingerprints are examples of...

1. Trace evidence

2. Hard evidence

3. Physical evidence

4. Criminal evidence

The correct answer is: Physical evidence

Bite marks and fingerprints are classified as physical evidence because they are tangible pieces of evidence that can be observed and measured. Physical evidence encompasses a wide array of materials or traces that can be collected at a crime scene, and both bite marks and fingerprints provide critical information that can link a suspect to a crime or help in understanding the events that transpired. Physical evidence is essential in forensic investigations since it can be analyzed scientifically to provide objective and verifiable data. Bite marks can reflect specific dental patterns unique to an individual, while fingerprints are distinctive patterns made by the ridges on a person’s fingertips, making both sources reliable for identification purposes in criminal investigations. These forms of evidence play pivotal roles in establishing connections, corroborating witness statements, and resolving ambiguities in cases. In contrast, trace evidence refers to small particles or residues left behind, such as hair or fibers, while hard evidence typically refers to more concrete items like weapons. Criminal evidence is a broader term that encompasses all types of evidence used in criminal investigations, including both physical and testimonial evidence, but does not specifically define the types as clearly as physical evidence does.