The study of the effects of disease and genetic aberrations on friction ridges is known as?

The correct answer, dermatoglyphics, refers specifically to the study of the patterns of skin ridges (friction ridges) on fingers, palms, and soles of the feet. This field encompasses not only the analysis of normal skin patterns but also investigates how various diseases and genetic conditions can influence the development and appearance of these ridges.

Understanding dermatoglyphics is crucial in both forensic science and medical research, as it provides insights into genetic predispositions and the impact of certain diseases on the formation of skin patterns. This contrasts with the other options listed, which focus on different areas: latent print analysis is centered on examining and matching already existing prints; forensic psychology deals with understanding the behavior of individuals in legal contexts; while genetic fingerprinting involves analyzing DNA for identification purposes. Each of these fields has its distinct methodologies and applications, making dermatoglyphics the most relevant to the question about friction ridge analysis affected by health and genetic factors.