Which characteristics are used for individual fingerprint identification?

Friction ridge patterns and details are central to individual fingerprint identification because they provide unique features that can be matched between different prints. Each fingerprint is made up of ridges and valleys that form various patterns, including loops, whorls, and arches. Within these patterns, there are also specific minutiae points, such as ridge endings, bifurcations, and dot-like features, which contribute to the uniqueness of each print.

The uniqueness of friction ridge patterns is a fundamental principle in forensic science; no two individuals have been found to have the same fingerprints, even among identical twins. This makes the analysis of these patterns and their details a reliable method for identifying individuals in criminal investigations and other contexts where fingerprint verification is necessary.

Other options, while they may pertain to general characteristics of a person, do not have the specificity or uniqueness required for precise individual identification in the context of fingerprint analysis. For example, skin color and texture can vary widely among individuals and do not provide unique identifiers. Hand size and shape can also differ among individuals but lack the fine details necessary for reliable identification. Nail structure is not relevant to fingerprint analysis at all.