What varies in friction ridge patterns but is noted for being non-duplicative?

The arrangement of ridges in friction ridge patterns is indeed noted for being non-duplicative. This refers to how the ridges are organized and flow together on the surface of a person’s fingerprints, palm prints, or foot prints. Each individual's arrangement of ridges is unique due to a combination of genetic factors and developmental influences, meaning no two people have the same ridge arrangement, even among identical twins.

This unique arrangement is crucial for fingerprint analysis, as it allows latent print examiners to distinguish between different individuals based on the patterns formed by the ridges. The specific ways in which ridges curve, bifurcate, or form unique patterns contribute to their individuality, making it a key feature in forensic identification processes.

While other factors, like the depth, texture, and color of the ridges, may vary from one print to another, they do not serve as definitive identifiers in the same way that the arrangement of ridges does.