Forensic Identification (Skeletal Age, Fingerprints, Race, Sex, Stature) MCQs

Forensic Medicine · 43 free questions with answers & explanations.

1. In estimating the age of an individual from skeletal remains, the Gustafson method uses six dental parameters. Which parameter specifically assesses the MOST age-dependent cumulative change that reflects wear from mastication?
2. A forensic anthropologist examines a pelvis from skeletal remains to determine biological sex. Which single pelvic feature provides the HIGHEST degree of sexual dimorphism and accuracy in sex determination?
3. In fingerprint examination, a latent print on a non-porous surface (glass) is developed by aluminium powder dusting. The print contains ridge endings, bifurcations, and a single triradius. This is MOST consistent with which fingerprint pattern?
4. Stature estimation from long bones uses regression equations. Which bone provides the MOST accurate stature estimate, and in what order do bones rank from most to least accurate?
5. A forensic odontologist is asked to estimate age in an adult skeleton aged approximately 35–55 years where radiographic tooth root translucency (secondary dentine, root resorption, periodontal recession) has been assessed. This multifactorial method combining six dental age changes is known as:
6. In determining sex from skeletal remains, which pelvic dimension has the highest single discriminant accuracy?
7. A fingerprint examiner identifies a latent print on a glass surface. The print was made by a secretion from eccrine sweat glands. The examiner uses a reagent that reacts with amino acids in the sweat residue to produce a purple coloration (Ruhemann's purple). Which reagent is being used?
8. The skeletal remains of an adult are submitted for age estimation. The pubic symphysis shows surface erosion, rim formation with distinct lipping, and an irregular, pitted surface with a large ossific nodule. Based on the Todd-Brooks pubic symphysis ageing method, the MOST likely age range is:
9. In fingerprint analysis, a pattern is described where ridges enter from one side of the pattern area, recurve, and pass out from the same side. There is no delta. This pattern is BEST classified as:
10. Stature estimation from long bones uses regression equations. The long bone that provides the MOST accurate stature estimate in an Indian population when only one bone is available is:
11. When comparing sex from skeletal remains, the MOST reliable single skeletal feature for biological sex determination in an adult is:
12. A forensic anthropologist receives skeletonised remains. The pubic symphysis shows irregular surface with ridges and furrows, no rim formation, and no ossific nodules on the dorsal margin. Based on Todd's system of pubic symphysis ageing, this corresponds to:
13. In Galton–Henry fingerprint classification, a pattern showing a loop entering and exiting from the radial (thumb) side of the finger is called a:
14. Estimation of stature from long bone length using Pearson's regression formula is most accurate when applied to:
15. On skeletal examination to determine sex, the most reliable single skeletal element is:
16. In video superimposition for forensic identification, the technique is used to compare a skull with a photograph of a missing person. A true match requires:
17. In the AFIS (Automated Fingerprint Identification System), fingerprint matching uses 'minutiae' as the primary comparison points. The two MOST forensically important types of minutiae are:
18. When examining an unknown skeletal remain, the symphysis pubis (pubic symphysis) is used to estimate age in adults. The McKern & Stewart method classifies the symphysis surface into three components. Which component shows the dorsal plateau development as its primary progressive change?
19. Short tandem repeat (STR) profiling in forensic DNA analysis is MOST useful because:
20. Forensic sex determination from skeletal remains is MOST accurately performed from which bone, and the sciatic notch angle criterion specifies:
21. AFIS (Automated Fingerprint Identification System) matching is based on which primary level of ridge detail?
22. The Pearson regression formula is used in forensic anthropology to estimate stature from:
23. In the sexing of skeletal remains, the SINGLE MOST reliable bone for determining biological sex in an adult is:
24. In the forensic examination of skeletal remains, the pubic symphysis morphology is used for age estimation. Which of the following correctly describes the pubic symphysis changes with advancing age?
25. A fingerprint examiner compares a latent print from a crime scene with an ink print from a suspect. The ACE-V methodology (Analysis, Comparison, Evaluation, Verification) is used. Which stage detects a potential decision error in the examiner's conclusion?
26. In fingerprint analysis, the most frequent fingerprint pattern in the general population listed in order of decreasing frequency is:
27. For estimating stature from skeletal remains, Trotter and Gleser regression equations use measurements of long bones. The bone that provides the MOST accurate stature estimation from these equations is:
28. Pearson's formula for estimation of stature from long bones requires measurement of which bone, and in which gender does it provide the MOST accurate stature estimation?
29. In fingerprint classification, Henry's system is used in India. A loop pattern requires which key characteristic features to be classified as a loop?
30. A skeletal pelvis is submitted for sex determination. Which single feature provides the MOST reliable indicator of female sex?
31. A forensic odontologist is asked to identify a body using dental records. Which of the following teeth is the LAST permanent tooth to erupt, and is therefore most useful in estimating age in late adolescence?
32. DNA profiling using Short Tandem Repeat (STR) analysis is preferred over RFLP in forensic identification because STR:
33. In Gustafson's method of dental age estimation from a single tooth, which of the following criteria assesses the translucency of the root dentine?
34. A burnt and skeletonised body is found at a crime scene. All soft tissue is destroyed. Which of the following methods provides the MOST definitive identification of this individual?
35. The most reliable single bone for estimating age in an adult skeleton between 18 and 30 years is:
36. Gustafson's method for estimating age from teeth uses six parameters. Which of the following is NOT one of them?
37. In forensic fingerprint examination, which ridge characteristic (minutiae) is most commonly encountered?
38. The pelvis is considered the most reliable bone for determining sex in an adult skeleton because:
39. Stature estimation from long bones in forensic anthropology uses regression formulae. The bone giving the most accurate stature estimate is:
40. In skeletal age estimation in an adult using the pubic symphysis, which surface morphology of the symphyseal face corresponds MOST closely to the Suchey-Brooks Phase IV (estimated age 23–57 years)?
41. A forensic anthropologist examining skeletal remains from a tropical country states that the skull belongs to a person of Negroid (Sub-Saharan African) ancestry based on morphological features. Which combination of features MOST strongly supports Negroid ancestry?
42. A forensic scientist performs DNA profiling using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of short tandem repeat (STR) loci from a degraded bone sample. The CODIS database in the USA uses 20 STR loci. In forensic DNA typing, which type of STR marker is specifically used for maternal lineage tracing because it is inherited exclusively maternally?
43. In medicolegal investigation of a suspected sexual assault, seminal staining on fabric is confirmed. Acid phosphatase activity is detected at a high level (>200 IU). The presence of which substance, secreted exclusively by the prostate gland, is the MOST specific marker for seminal staining?