What are immature ridge formations called that develop like normal ridges?

Immature ridge formations that develop similarly to normal ridges are referred to as incipient ridges. These ridges represent an early stage of fingerprint development, where the ridge patterns begin to take shape but are not fully formed. Incipient ridges are significant in the study of fingerprints because they reflect the biological processes of skin development and can play a role in personal identification, particularly in circumstances where other ridge patterns may not yet be fully visible.

Understanding incipient ridges is crucial in forensic science, especially when examining prints from individuals whose fingerprints are still developing, such as children. This knowledge can assist latent print examiners in determining individual identity even when the ridge patterns are less than complete or distinct.