Questions

Using a light source and protractor, explain how to calculate the refractive index of a liquid.

-Objective 14.5 -Step 1: Shine the light source at a liquid -Step 2: Measure the angle of incidence (Incident ray, which is found as light passes through the first medium) and the angle of refraction (Refracted ray, which is found as light passes through the second medium) -Step 3: Utilize Snell's law (n1[Sin angle 1]=n2[Sin angle 2]) and plug in 1 (Air) for the angle of incidence to find the refractive index of the unknown liquid

Good observation skills come naturally to investigators, as they do not need to be trained. True of false?

~Objective 1.1 -False -Truth: Investigators have to make a conscious effort to examine the fine details of the crime scene in an organized/systematic way

Describe two ways that your brain may alter sensory information.

~Objective 1.1, 1.2, & 1.3 -As memory fades information is filled in, even if it isn't accurate -Applies knowledge about surroundings during new situations

Why are observation skills important to forensic science?

~Objective 1.4 -Observation skills are important because it helps discover all evidence that could be crucial to the reconstruction of crime scene events

Name three ways you can improve your observation skills.

~Objective 1.4 & 1.6 -Examine the environment systematically -Observe everything, from big to small -Don't just to conclusions

A forensic scientist is called to a court of law to provide what? A. Fact B. Opinion C. Judgement D. Reflection

~Objective 1.5 -Fact

The word forensic refers to the application of scientific knowledge to legal questions. True of false?

~Objective 1.5 -True

Define an exemplar.

~Objective 10.1 -A known sample of handwriting that is compared to a questionable document to determine if a crime has been committed

There are ten major categories of handwriting characteristics. True or false?

~Objective 10.1 -False -Truth: There are at least twelve handwriting characteristics, including line quality, spacing, size, consistency, continuous, connecting, complete, cursive, and printed letters, pen pressure, slant, line habits, fancy curls, loops, and placement of crosses/dots on t's/i's

Describe three different characteristics of handwriting that experts analyze during forensic investigation.

~Objective 10.1 -Line quality: Examiners determine if the letters flow in a smooth or shaky manner -Spacing: Examiners determine whether the letters have equal spaces or are crowded -Size consistency: Examiners determine the consistency in the ratio of the letter's height to its width

Summarize the three basic steps in handwriting analysis.

~Objective 10.1 -Step 1: The handwriting characteristics in the document in question and exemplar are examined/identified -Step 2: The handwriting characteristics from each document are compared -Step 3: The handwriting characteristics are narrowed down to the most important in determining if both documents were written by the same author

In handwriting analysis, a person's handwriting is compared to several exemplars. True or false?

~Objective 10.3 -False -Truth: A person's handwriting is compared to a single exemplar (Known sample)

Describe some of the technologies used by document experts to analyze handwriting.

~Objective 10.4 -Biometric pad: Device utilized to measure the pressure, rhythm, and speed of someone's handwriting -Infrared spectroscopy: Infrared radiation absorbs/reflects different wavelengths of light so that the type of ink can be determined

A biometric pad measures the speed, rhythm, and pressure of your handwriting. True or false?

~Objective 10.4 -True

Distinguish between check forgery and literary forgery.

~Objective 10.5 -Check forgery: Involves ordering/using, altering/cashing, or creating checks -Literary forgery: involves producing a forged copy of a piece of writing

What are some methods used by criminals to make paper and ink appear old when forging a historic document?

~Objective 10.5 -Chemicals are applied to make the paper/ink look old -Inks are mixed with aged paper collected from ancient books

Forgers rarely spend time trying to forge documents by famous people. True or false?

~Objective 10.5 -False -Truth: Forgers frequently target celebrities, especially those that are dead

To prevent forgery, some checks have embedded fibers that glow under special lights. True or false?

~Objective 10.6 -True

Document experts analyze the paper and ink as well as the writing to determine authenticity. True or false?

~Objective 10.7 -True

Experts from different sciences agree that the definition of death is the end of life.

~Objective 11.1 -False -Truth: Some believe that it is the cessation of blood circulation, while others think it is the cessation of brain activity

The Body Farm is a fictional account of the work of a country coroner. True or false?

~Objective 11.1 -False -Truth: The Body Farm is a place where forensic experts study how the environment affects the rate/succession of insect development on corpses

The presence of drugs in a corpse cannot be determined by a chemical analysis of larvae found feeding on the body. True or false?

~Objective 11.10 -False -Truth: As maggots feed off a dead body toxins/drugs become incorporated into their tissues

The only two manners of death are natural death and homicidal death. True or false?

~Objective 11.2 -False -Truth: The five manners of death include natural death, accidental death, suicidal death, homicidal death, and undetermined death

Mechanism of death describes what has occurred in the body to cause death. True or false?

~Objective 11.3 -True

In the first 12 hours, a dead body cools about 1 degree F per hour. True or false?

~Objective 11.4 -True

Livor mortis refers to the color of the dead body. True or false?

~Objective 11.4 -True

Many factors affect rigor mortis, such as the type of clothing the person was wearing. True or false?

~Objective 11.4 -True

Blowflies are one of the first insects to arrive at a dead body and are very useful in determining the time of death. True of false?

~Objective 11.8 -True

Provide an example of the possible succession of insects that would be found on the body of a dead squirrel. Include in your answer: Which insect is usually the first to arrive on the dead body? Explain your reasoning. Which insects are usually the last to arrive on the dead body? Explain your reasoning.

~Objective 11.9 -1st: Blowflies come and lay eggs, as they are attracted to the smell/gases produced in the early stages of decomposition 2nd: Wasps come and lay eggs 3rd: Cheese skippers come and lay eggs 4th: Mites/beetles come and lay eggs, as they prefer a drier environment and like to feed on hair/tissue

Within minutes of death, certain insects are attracted by the smell of the first stages of decomposition. True or false?

~Objective 11.9 -True

In which soil horizon would you expect to find a carrot growing? A. A horizon B. E horizon C. B horizon D. C horizon

~Objective 12.1 -A horizon

Which soil type would be best for gardening? A. Sand B. Loam C. Clay D. Chalk

~Objective 12.1 -Loam

Small, round grains are considered a characteristic of immature sand. True or false?

~Objective 12.2 -False -Truth: Small, round grains describe mature sand

Oolites are characteristic of what? A. Continental sand B. Volcanic sand C. Skeletal sand D. Precipitate sand

~Objective 12.2 -Precipitate sand

Humus is decayed organic material. True or false?

~Objective 12.2 -True

The R horizon is composed of solid rock. True or false?

~Objective 12.2 -True

Acidic soil has a pH between 8 and 14. True or false?

~Objective 12.3 -False -Truth: Acidic soil has a pH below 7, neutral soil has a pH of exactly 7, and basic soil has a pH above 7

You are sent to collect soil evidence from a house that has been burglarized. Briefly describe how you would go about collecting samples.

~Objective 12.4 -Scan the perimeter and take samples from various locations where soil has been disturbed -To keep track of the evidence, a map should be sketched to mark the collection sites -Shoes, tools, vehicles, and indoor flooring should be checked for any traces

Describe the processes of ossification of the skull using each of the following terms. A. Cartilage B. Blood vessels C. Osteoblasts D. Osteocytes E. Osteoclasts F. Enzymes G. Calcium H. Phosphate

~Objective 13.1 -A. Transitions into bone with the help of osteoblasts -B. Present in the membrane layer and protects/moistens bone -C. Deposits minerals that transform cartilage -D. Trapped osteoblasts, serves as the base of layer of bone, and can't produce new cells -E. Breaks down cells and reshapes bone as time goes on -F. Produced by osteoclasts and dissolves bone -G. Essential to the structure/formation of bone -F. Crucial for bone growth and mineralization

If a person were right-handed, then his or her skeleton on the left side would be slightly larger than the skeleton on the right side. True or false?

~Objective 13.1 -False -Truth: A right-handed would have a slightly larger skeleton on the right side than the skeleton on the right side

Osteoblasts are bone-building cells. True or false?

~Objective 13.1 -True

Calculate the approximate height of a Caucasian male if one of the following bones is found. A. Radius bone equal to 25 cm B. Humerus bone equal to 30 cm C. Ulna bone equal to 21 cm

~Objective 13.2 -A. Height= (3.79 X 25 cm) + 79.42= 174.17 cm -B. Height= (2.89 X 30 cm) + 78.10= 164.8 cm -C. Height= (3.76 X 21 cm) + 75.55= 152.51 cm

A woman's skull is usually bumpy compared to a man's skull. True or false?

~Objective 13.2 -False -Truth: A woman's skull is usually smoother, while a man's skull is usually bumpier to accommodate for the many muscles/tendons in his neck and other parts of the body

Female hips have subpubic angle less than 90 degrees. True or false?

~Objective 13.2 -False -Truth: The subpubic angles in females are greater than 90 degrees and the subpubic angles in males are less than 90 degrees

Suppose that the two bones found belonging to the male in questions 13b and 13c were his ulna, which is 21 cm long, as well as his humerus, which is 30 cm. Calculate his height using both the ulna and the humerus bone measurements. Show your work.

~Objective 13.2 -Height= (1.78 X (30 cm+21 cm)) + 66.98= 157.76 cm

Refer to your ansewrs for questions 13b and 13c and 14. Explain which value for height should be more accurate (The two separate values or the combined values).

~Objective 13.2 -The height based on the combined values should be more accurate, as more information often leads to more accurate results

A man's jawline usually formed a 90-degree angle. True or false?

~Objective 13.2 -True

Male skulls tend to have a lower, more sloping frontal bone than female skulls. True or false?

~Objective 13.2 -True

Approximate age can be determined by studying the suture lines of the skull. True or false?

~Objective 13.4 -True

It is possible to estimate someone's height based on the length of a humerus. True or false?

~Objective 13.4 -True

Mitochondrial DNA contains no genetic information from the father. True or false?

~Objective 13.6 -True

Obsidian is a type of glass-like sedimentary rock formed in the ground under great pressure. True or false?

~Objective 14.1 -True

One of the earliest forms of man-made glass was accidentally produced in Syria during food preparation. True or false?

~Objective 14.1 -True

The substance added to glass that makes crystal glasses seem to sparkle is what? A. Copper B. Silver C. Lead D. Aluminum

~Objective 14.3 -Lead

Metal oxides added to glass produce glass of different colors. True or false?

~Objective 14.3 -True

What are the correct units when measuring density? A. Millimeters/gram B. Cubic centimeters/millimeter C. Grams/millimeter D. Millimeters/second

~Objective 14.4 -Grams/millimeter

Which refractive index would indicate the densest material? A. 1.2 B. 1.3 C. 1.4 D. 1.5

~Objective 14.5 -1.5

The speed of light in a vacuum is approximately what? A. 30,000 kilometers/second B. 300,000 kilometers/second C. 30,000 miles/second D. 300,000 meters/second

~Objective 14.5 -300,000 kilometers/second

The refractive index refers to the ability of a substance to what? A. Bend light B. Reflect light C. Absorb light D. Convert light to heat energy

~Objective 14.5 -Bend light

As the density of a medium increases, the refractive index should what? A. Increase B. Decrease C. Stay the same

~Objective 14.5 -Increase

The normal is the line that is what? A. Parallel to the surface where two different mediums meet B. Moving in the same direction as the beam of light through the first medium C. Perpendicular to the surface where two different mediums meet D. The line of light passing through the vacuum

~Objective 14.5 -Perpendicular to the surface where two different mediums meet

A beam of light passes through air into a second medium. Angle 1 (Angle of incidence) is 33 degrees. Angle 2 (Angle of refraction) is 48 degrees. Calculate the refractive index. Show all your work.

~Objective 14.5 -n1 (Sin angle 1)= n2 (Sin angle 2) -1 (Sin 33 degrees)= n2 (Sin 48 degrees) -0.54= n2(.74) -n2= 0.73

If glass is located near a fire within a building, it will tend to shatter outward. True or false?

~Objective 14.6 -False -Truth: Glass shatters toward the region of high heat, so if a fire is inside the building it will break inward

Safety glass is made so it will not crack and not break apart into pieces upon impact. True or false?

~Objective 14.6 -False -Truth: Safety/tempered glass is meant to crack, but not break apart

When it is hit, glass bends and stretches before breaking. True or false?

~Objective 14.6 -True

Compare and contrast radial and concentric glass fractures. A. Description of each of type of fracture. B. On which side of the glass will they form. C. Which type of fracture will form first and why.

~Objective 14.6 AR. Fracture lines move outward from the point of impact AC. Fracture lines occur in circles that share a center BR. Occurs on the side opposite of impact BC. Occurs on the side of impact CR. First because the side opposite of impact is under tension CC. Second because the side of impact is under compression

Secondary fracture lines radiate out from the center of impact as glass shatters. True or false?

~Objective 14.7 -False -Truth: Radial (Primary) fractures radiate out from the point of impact, while concentric (Secondary) fractures occur in circles around the point of impact

Describe how a Plaster of Paris impression is produced. Include in your answer the role of each of the following. A. Plaster of Paris B. Hair spray C. Ruler

~Objective 15.1 -A. Quick-setting material that preserves shoe impressions found on surfaces like sand/dirt -B. Spray that stabilizes and prevents shoe impressions from being altered under weight -C. A device that acts as a standard of measurement in photographs that are taken

There are two basic types of impressions- patent and latent. True or false?

~Objective 15.1 -False -Truth: There are three basic types of impressions, including patent (Two-dimensional and visible to the human eye), latent (Hidden, but can be revealed through special techniques), and plastic (Three dimensional and cast onto soft materials)

Impressions are always considered class evidence only. True or false?

~Objective 15.2 -False -Truth: Dental impressions and tire/shoe impressions with unique markings/characteristics are considered individual evidence

Before anyone touches or alters an impression, it should be photographed. True or false?

~Objective 15.2 -True

Tire impressions of a tire must be made using the complete rotations of a tire. Explain why this is important if the tire impression is to be compared with a photograph of a tire impressions found at a crime scene.

~Objective 15.3 -It is likely that the tire mark from the crime scene is small/incomplete

Electrostatic dusting is used on impressions that are dry and lack depth. True or false?

~Objective 15.3 -True

Footprints can be recovered from snow. True or false.

~Objective 15.3 -True

Tire patterns are generic and difficult to trace. True or false?

~Objective 15.3 & 15.4 -False -Truth: A large database has information that helps link tire patterns to specific vehicles and there is substantial variability, as manufacturers are constantly competing in producing something better

Distinguish between the following measurements on a car. A. Track width B. Wheelbase C. Turning diameter

~Objective 15.4 -A. Distance from the center of one tire to the center of the opposite tire -B. Distance from the center of the front axle to the center of the rear axle -C. A measure of how tight a circle can be driven or the minimal space required to make a U-turn

The turning diameter of a Volkswagen Beetle is greater than that of a Cadillac sedan. True or false?

~Objective 15.4 -False -Truth: A VW Beetle has a smaller turning diameter than a Cadillac sedan because it is a smaller car and has a shorter wheelbase

Describe how to calculate the turning diameter of a car.

~Objective 15.4 -Step 1: Gain a partner, chalk, measuring tape, and a relatively empty parking lot -Step 2: Position the car so that there is plenty of room on all sides -Step 3: Make a mark next to the front right tire. -Step 4: Turn the steering wheel all the way to the left and slowly drive in a circle for about 180 degrees -Step 5: Draw a streak next to the front right tire -Step 6: Repeatedly drive 6 inches and sketch another line each time -Step 7: Place a measuring tape at every stroke and calculate the distances, until the one with the greatest distance (Turning diameter) is found

What are the differences among each of the three categories of tire marks? A. Skid B. Yaw C. Tire scrub

~Objective 15.4 A. Forms when someone brakes suddenly/locks the wheels, provides evidence that distance brakes were applied, and helps with the calculation of velocity B. Produces when a vehicle travels in a curved path too fast and skids sideways, creates melting from extreme temperatures, and leads to an audible squeal/smoke C. Establishes when a tire is damaged/overloaded after impact, determines the area of impact, contains striations that look like stripes, and becomes usually curved/irregular in width

Describe how you could distinguish the teeth of an adult from the teeth of a teenager or child.

~Objective 15.5 -Adult: 32 teeth, including wisdom teeth -Child/teenager: 20 to 28 teeth, excluding wisdom teeth

List characteristics of teeth that would enable them to be used as individual evidence as opposed to class evidence.

~Objective 15.5 -Size orientation -Number -Coloration -Fillings -Crowns -Condition -Spacing

Dental work and dental impressions can be matched to a particular suspect. True or false?

~Objective 15.5 -True

The presence of wisdom teeth is a partial indication of age. True or false?

~Objective 15.5 -True

If a tool mark impression is matched to a specific tool, then the owner of that tool must have been at the crime scene. True or false?

~Objective 16.1 -False -Truth: A tool mark impression can be matched to a specific tool, but this evidence isn't enough to place the owner at the crime scene

Tool marks are considered to be circumstantial evidence. True or false?

~Objective 16.1 -True

Distinguish between the following types of marks found on the surface. A. Abrasions B. Indentations C. Cuts

~Objective 16.2 -A. Impression made by a tool when surfaces slide across one another -B. Impression made by a tool when it is pressed against a softer surface -C. Impression made by a tool when it cuts the edge of a surface

The cutting pattern of a used hacksaw blade is the same as a Stryker saw. True or false?

~Objective 16.2 -False -Truth: Different types of saws produce distinct cutting patterns

The cut edges of a board show abrasion marks. True of false?

~Objective 16.2 -False -Truth: The cut edges of a board show cutting marks, while two different materials/surfaces making contact show abrasion marks

Hammers can create indentation marks. True or false?

~Objective 16.2 -True

Pry bar and crowbar marks cannot be distinguished from each other. True or false?

~Objective 16.3 -False -Truth: Although pry bars and crowbars are similar tools, minor differences can be distinguished microscopically and distinct impressions can be left on surfaces

Rust, chips, and dents on a hammer can produce unique tool mark impressions. True or false?

~Objective 16.3 -True

List the steps taken when collecting and preserving tool mark impression evidence.

~Objective 16.4 -Step 1: Separately package each tool found at the crime scene -Step 2: Gather the object/impression cast containing marks -Step 3: Wrap small items with paper and put them in plastic bags -Step 4: Place large items into cartons or boxes -Step 5: Label each piece of evidence with the appropriate information, like case number, date, location, signature, the collector, and a reason for taking clues

Summarize the important technology in tool mark examination and analysis for the courtroom. Include at least two different technologies in your summary.

~Objective 16.5 -Database: Contains algorithms that characterize/distinguish between mark images -Profilometer: Contains a scanner that generates a contour map, which helps match a mark to a tool

Shotguns are examples of what? A. Handguns B. Long guns C. Revolvers D. Semiautomatic weapons

~Objective 17.1 -Long guns

Which of the following is not part of a cartridge? A. Barrel B. Bullet C. Gunpowder D. Primer powder

~Objective 17.2 -Barrel

Firing pin marks are found on the back of a bullet. True or false?

~Objective 17.2 -False -Truth: Firing pin marks are found on the back/base of the cartridge when the firing pin comes into contact with the center/rim of the casing

The lands and grooves of a barrel's rifling improve the accuracy of a bullet. True or false?

~Objective 17.3 -True

The caliber of a bullet is related to its what? A. Diameter B. Length C. Speed D. Weight

~Objective 17.4 -Diameter

The caliber of a cartridge is always measured in one-hundredths of an inch. True or false?

~Objective 17.4 -False -Truth: Calibers are typically measured one-hundreds of an inch, but the European method utilizes the metric system with millimeters

Why are bullets fired into a gel tank in a forensics ballistic lab?

~Objective 17.5 -A gel tank is utilized so that a bullet can be fired without damage and then be compared to those left at the crime scene

What is NIBIS (National Integrated Bullet Identification System) and how is it used to help solve crimes?

~Objective 17.6 -Database that stores ballistic marking created by firearms used in past crimes -Can connect evidence at the crime scene to registered weapons

Compare and contrast an entry wound and an exit wound produced from a bullet.

~Objective 17.6 -Entry wound: Smaller because the skin is somewhat elastic and stretches as the bullet touches the body -Exit wound: Larger because body tissue/bone may be collected as the bullet moves through the body

Lands and grooves help match a crime scene bullet with its shell casing. True or false?

~Objective 17.6 -False -Truth: Lands, grooves, and firing pin marks help match a crime scene bullet to the gun that fired it

Which of the following best describes the trajectory of a projectile? A. The height of the shooter B. The path of the flight of a bullet C. The housing for the bullet's gunpowder D. The pattern of lands and grooves on the projectile

~Objective 17.7 -The path of the flight of a bullet

Locard's exchange principle implies to all of the following except what? A. Fibers can be transferred from one person to another B. Blood spatter can be used to identify blood type C. Cat hair can be transferred to your pants D. Soil samples can be carried from the yard into your home

~Objective 2.1 -Blood spatter can be used to identify blood type

Transfer evidence can include all of the following except what? A. The victim's own blood gushing from a wound B. Hair that was transferred to a hairbrush C. The blood of the victim found on a suspect D. A footprint

~Objective 2.2 -The victim's own blood gushing from a wound

Blood type is considered to be class evidence. Although it may no specifically identify the suspect, explain how it still could be useful in helping to investigate the crime.

~Objective 2.3 -Blood type can narrow down/rule out suspects and witnesses involved in a crime

Distinguish between circumstantial evidence and direct evidence, and provide an example of each type.

~Objective 2.3 -Circumstantial evidence (Blood) can be used to imply a fact, but not provide it directly, while direct evidence proves an alleged fact (Eyewitness account)

Correct collection of evidence requires which of the following? A. Documenting the location where the evidence was found B. Correct packaging of evidence C. Maintain proper chain of custody D. All of the above

~Objective 2.8 -All of the above

The period of active hair growth is called what stage? A. Catagen B. Telogen C. Anagen D. Imagen

~Objective 3.1 -Anagen

All hairs on the head of a person are identical. True or false?

~Objective 3.2 -False -Truth: Hairs located in a single area can have different characteristics

The cortex may contain pigment granules. True or false?

~Objective 3.2 -True

Human hair has which type(s) of cuticle? A. Imbricate B. Spinous C. Coronal D. Pigmented

~Objective 3.3 -Imbricate

Crime scene investigators collected hair from a dead person's body. One of the first things that needs to be established is if this hair is human or animal. Describe three ways that animal hair differs from human hair.

~Objective 3.3 -Pigmentation pattern ^Animal: Denser towards medulla and has abrupt color changes ^Human: Denser towards cuticle and has usually one color -Medullary index ^Animal: Greater than 0.5 ^Human: Less than .33 -Cuticle type ^Animal: Coronal (Stacked crowns) and spinous (Petals) ^Human: Flattened and narrow

Which of the following is most likely a result of hair bleaching? A. Increased number of disulfide bonds B. A yellowish tint to the hair C. A more triangular cross section D. Thickened scales on the cuticle

~Objective 3.5 -A yellowish tint to the hair

Why is hair considered class evidence?

~Objective 3.5 -Hair has unique characteristics that are generally found for specific groups

Which part(s) of a hair can be analyzed for DNA? A. Root B. Cuticle C. Medulla D. Cortex

~Objective 3.5 -Root

Neutron activation analysis can check hair for the presence of what? A. Silver B. DNA C. Water content D. Hair dye

~Objective 3.5 -Silver

The body of a woman was found in the woods. Some hair fibers found on the body were sent to the crime lab for analysis. The ends of the hair attached to the body were gray, but the tips of the hair showed that it had been dyed. The distance from the root of the hair to beginning of the dyed area measured 8 mm. Investigators determined that the victim's hair had last been dyed on August 1, 2004. Assuming the hair grows at a rate of 0.44 mm per day, on approximately what date did the woman die. Explain your answer.

~Objective 3.5 -Time= Hair measurement distance from root to dyed area/Rate of hair growth -.8 cm/1.3 cm = .62 months -1 month/4 weeks= .62 months/x weeks= 2.48 weeks

The shaft of the hair is considered class evidence in a trial. True of false?

~Objective 3.5 -True

Which factors are used to calculate the medullary index of the hair? A. Scale diameter of cuticle and the length of the hair B. Width of cortex and the width of the medulla C. Length of the entire hair and the pattern of pigmentation D. Width of medulla and the width of the hair

~Objective 3.6 -Width of medulla and the width of the hair

Which of the following characteristics is found in typical Asian hair? A. Dark medulla B. Sparsely distributed pigment granules C. Flattened cross section D. Hair is curly

~Objective 3.7 -Dark medulla

Although variations can occur, which of the following best describes northern European hair? A. Kinky with dense, unevenly distributed pigment B. Straight with evenly distributed granules C. Round cross section with a large diameter D. Coarse with a thick cuticle and a continuous medulla

~Objective 3.7 -Straight with evenly distributed granules

Describe three sources of natural fibers. Provide an example of each type of natural fiber.

~Objective 4.2 -Animals: Composed of proteins coming from animal's hair, fur, or webbing ^Ex: Wool from a sheep -Plants: Composed of cellulose, which has a strong resistance to many chemicals and won't dissolve in water ^Ex: Cotton from a plant -Minerals: Found from rocks with crystalline structures ^Ex: Asbestos

Silk is a natural fiber produced by the silkworm. How is silk produced by the body of the silkworm?

~Objective 4.2 -The caterpillar secretes the natural fibers from its mouth and spins it to form a cocoon

Describe the weave patterns of each of the fabrics pictured below. Justify your answer for each.

~Objective 4.2 -Twill weave: Alternating warp (V) and weft (H) threads -Basket weave: Alternating pattern of two weft (H) threads crossing two warp (V) threads -Satin weave: One weft (H) crosses over three or more warp (V) threads -Twill weave: Weft (H) is woven over three or more warps (V) and then under one, and the pattern is shifted to the left/right by one thread Leno weave: Two adjacent warp (V) threads cross over each other as the weft (H) travels left to right and is woven in between

Explain how the inhalation of asbestos fibers can lead to lung cancer.

~Objective 4.2 -When asbestos fiber fragments are breathed in small cuts are created and scar tissue forms, causing the likeliness for lung cancer to heighten

A characteristic of natural fibers is that they what? A. Are stronger than synthetic fibers B. Will not break down when exposed to bright light C. Melt at a lower temperature than synthetic fibers D. Are affected by microscopic organisms

~Objective 4.3 -Are affected by microscopic organisms

The shiny nature of silk can be related to what? A. Its hollow core B. Its ability to refract light C. Its smooth, round fibers D. Mucus secretions from the silkworm

~Objective 4.3 -Its ability to refract light

Explain why roofers removing old asbestos roofs are more at danger of developing lung cancer than a person who installs asbestos flooring.

~Objective 4.3 -Roofers removing asbestos flooring has a higher chance of breaking particles apart than someone installing asbestos flooring

Mineral fibers such as asbestos are very durable. These fibers are used in all of the following except what? A. Rope B. Shingles C. Floor tiles D. Brake liners

~Objective 4.3 -Rope

What characteristics of cotton make it a great source of fiber for clothing? A. It is very easy to grow B. It is resistant to staining C. The fibers are easily woven and dyed D. The fibers are extremely long

~Objective 4.3 -The fibers are easily woven and dyed

All of the following are characteristics of a synthetic fiber except what? A. They are formed by combining monomer compounds into polymer molecules B. They are man-made C. They are used in the production of carpet fibers D. They do not contain any natural fibers

~Objective 4.3 -They do not contain any natural fibers

Natural fibers can be harvested from what? A. Plants and animals B. Only from plants C. Only from animals D. Plants, animals, and minerals

~Objective 4.4 -Plants, animals, and minerals

Fibers are an excellent source of trace evidence because what? A. They are easily transferred from victim to suspect B. They are often overlooked by a suspect C. They can be easily collected and stored D. All of the above

~Objective 4.4 -They are easily transferred from victim to suspect

Through microscopic examination of pollen or spores, it is possible to identify a specific plant that produced that pollen or spore.

~Objective 5.1 -False -Truth: Microscopic examination of pollen/spores helps identify what species of plant the structures came from

Pollen is an example of trace evidence. True of false?

~Objective 5.1 -True

A pollen fingerprint is the number and type of pollen grains found in a geographic area at a particular time of year.

~Objective 5.2 -True

All of the following are true of both angiosperms and gymnosperms except what? A. Both form pollen at some time during their life cycle B. Both form fruits that surround their seeds C. Both rely on sexual reproduction D. Both produce sperm and eggs

~Objective 5.3 -Both form fruits that surround their seeds

Flowering plants or angiosperms are the only plants that produce pollen.

~Objective 5.3 -False -Truth: Both gymnosperms and angiosperms produce pollen

Spores are produced only by fungi.

~Objective 5.3 -False -Truth: Spores are produced by plants, protists, fungi, and bacteria

The spore-producing part of fungi is called the what? A. Sporangium B. Endospore C. Ovule D. Anther

~Objective 5.3 -Sporangium

Compare and contrast each type of pollination by identifying the strengths and weaknesses of pollination for each group.

~Objective 5.4 -Self-pollination: A small amount of pollen is transferred from the male part to the female part of the same flowering plant -Cross-pollination: A large amount of pollen is transferred between two different plants -Wind-pollination: Wind transports an plethora of pollen from the male part to the female part -Water-pollination: Water transports rare degradable pollen from the male part to the female part

Pollen present on the victim that matches pollen from a suspect provides strong evidence that the suspect is guilty.

~Objective 5.6 -False -Truth: Pollen is considered as trace evidence that can provide clues in time/location, but can't prove guilt

Pollen and spore identification can provide important trace evidence in solving crimes due to their structures.

~Objective 5.6 -True

Some important criteria for collecting pollen or spore samples include all of the following except what? A. Avoiding contamination B. Using sterile equipment C. Maintaining the chain of custody D. Putting all plant samples in a plastic bag

~Objective 5.7 -Maintaining the chain of custody

Describe any special devices or instruments that would be needed to analyze pollen and spore evidence.

~Objective 5.8 -Transmit light, phase contrast, scanning electron magnification analyze pollen and spores -Microscopes help with understanding pollen and spore morphology and connecting samples to specific plant species -Extensive reference collections accurately identifies the source of pollen and spores

Write a brief definition of the term fingerprint.

~Objective 6.1 -A fingerprint refers to the unique detailed lines/gaps that occur when sweat glands produce secretions that rise to the skin's surface

Fingerprints are formed when? A. Shortly after birth B. At about two years of age C. At 10 weeks' gestation D. At 17 weeks' pregnancy

~Objective 6.2 -At 10 weeks' gestation

Describe how to take a ridge count from a fingerprint.

~Objective 6.2 -Draw an imaginary line from the core to the edge of the delta and count the number of ridges that intersect

Fingerprints of the left hand are mirror images of the fingerprints on the right hand. True or false?

~Objective 6.2 -False -The fingerprints on the right hand do not match the left hand

Fingerprints are formed deep within the dermis layer of the skin. True or false?

~Objective 6.2 -False -Truth: Fingerprints are developed in the basal layer of the skin

Describe how fingerprints are formed.

~Objective 6.2 -Inside the womb a fetus's basal layer grows relatively fast rate that causes folds to develop and leads to the creation of ridges at the surface of the epidermis

Fingerprints are a result of oil and secretions from skin mixing with dirt. True of false?

~Objective 6.2 -True

A small triangular region is one characteristic found in a fingerprint. This triangular region is known as a what? A. Spur B. Eye C. Bridge D. Delta

~Objective 6.3 -Delta

The three main types of fingerprints are classified as what? A. Loops, whorls, and deltas B. Whorls, bifurcations, and arches C. Loops, whorls, and arches D. Arches, core, and deltas

~Objective 6.3 -Loops, whorls, and arches

Fingerprints that are actual indentations left in some soft material such as clay or putty are referred to as what? A. Plastic fingerprints B. Patent fingerprints C. Latent fingerprints D. Indented fingerprints

~Objective 6.3 -Plastic fingerprints

Loops are the most common form of fingerprints. True of false?

~Objective 6.3 -True

Is it possible to alter fingerprints? Defend your answer.

~Objective 6.4 -Fingerprints can be temporarily damaged, but skin layers are constantly shedding/producing new skin

Fingerprints are considered to be a form of class evidence.

~Objective 6.5 -False -Truth: Fingerprints have patterns that are unique to each individual

Another way to make prints visible is to apply certain chemicals. What aspect of a fingerprint reacts with each of the following? A. Ninhydrin B. Cyanoacrylate C. Silver nitrate D. Iodine fuming

~Objective 6.6 -A. Ninhydrin reacts with amino acids from fingertip sweat to reveal a latent fingerprint -B. Cyanoacrylate is vapor that adheres to the mark to reveal a latent fingerprint -C. Silver nitrate combines with sodium chloride to reveal a latent fingerprint -D. Iodine works with amino acids from fingertip sweat in heat to reveal a latent fingerprint

With the aid of IAFIS, it is possible to obtain a "match" within several hours. True or false?

~Objective 6.7 -True

DNA restriction enzymes do what? A. Are used to repair DNA B. Are involved in DNA synthesis C. Prevent DNA from being amplified D. Cut DNA into fragments of different lengths

~Objective 7.2 -Cut DNA into fragments of different lengths

In gel electrophoresis, the shortest DNA fragments travel greater distances than the longest DNA fragments. True or false?

~Objective 7.2 -True

The technique used to amplify DNA is polymerase chain reaction (PCR). True or false?

~Objective 7.2 -True

Millions of individuals have identical DNA profiles. True or false?

~Objective 7.5 -False -Truth: Every person, except identical twins, have a unique DNA profile

What causes the difference between STR alleles?

~Objective 7.5 -The number of repeats in a specific STR sequence

Mitochondrial DNA is inherited from the father. True or false?

~Objective 7.6 -False -Truth: Mitochondrial DNA is inherited from the mother

State if the person is type A, B, AB, or O. Be sure to indicate if the person is Rh+ or Rh- for each blood test shown below. -Clumping of antibodies A -No clumping of antibodies B -Clumping of anti-Rh antibodies

~Objective 8.4 -A+

To determine one's blood type, what is added to the slide? A. Blood and antibodies B. Only the antibodies C. Luminol D. None of the above

~Objective 8.4 -Blood and antibodies

Blood proteins that determine blood types are what? A. On the surface of the cell membrane B. Inside of the cytoplasm C. Both on the cell membrane and inside of the cytoplasm D. Found in the bone marrow

~Objective 8.4 -On the surface of the cell membrane

Blood types are determined by the presence of protein located on what? A. All of the blood cells B. Only the white blood cells C. Only on the T-helper cells D. Only on the red blood cells

~Objective 8.4 -Only on the red blood cells

If a person has type A- blood, then they have what? A. Only the A protein B. Both the A and the Rh proteins C. All three blood proteins D. It is impossible to tell what proteins they have

~Objective 8.4 -Only the A protein

If a person has type O+ blood, then they have what? A. The A and the B protein, but lack the Rh protein B. An O protein but not the Rh protein C. Non of the ABO nor the Rh proteins D. The Rh protein but not the A or the B proteins

~Objective 8.4 -The Rh protein but no the A or B proteins

State if the person is type A, B, AB, or O. Be sure to indicate if the person is Rh+ or Rh- for each blood test shown below. -No clumping of antibodies A -No clumping of antibodies B -Clumping of anti-Rh antibodies

~Objective 8.4 -Type O+

How is it possible to determine the direction of blood flow from blood spatter?

~Objective 8.7 -Angle/shape of blood indicates direction, as when droplets move away from the origin they become elongated and form a tail pointing back to the beginning

Explain how it is possible to tell that this blood was emitted from an artery and not just a cut.

~Objective 8.7 -Arterial spurt: Elongated spiked blood droplets that cast off onto surrounding surfaces -Cut: Circular smooth blood droplets that fall straight onto the ground

How is the origin for blood-spatter stains determined?

~Objective 8.7 -Draw a straight line down the long axis, create a circle around the region where the three lines intersect, and look for satellites for the location of the source (Left=right and right=left)

The following bloodstains were produced by dropping the blood from heights of 6 inches and 12 inches. Which one was dropped from 12 inches, drop 1 or drop 2? How do you account for the different patterns?

~Objective 8.7 -Drop 2 because it contains satellite droplets (Blood fell high enough to overcome cohesion forces), while drop 1 does not contain satellite droplets (Blood fell low enough to not overcome cohesion forces)

Toxins are poisons manufactured in laboratories. True or false?

~Objective 9.3 -False -Truth: Toxins include venom/poison from animals/plants, heavy metals, pesticides, and radioactive materials

Describe a situation where two different people might perceive a crime scene in different ways.

~Objectives 1.2 & 1.3 -An individual inside of the bank in a robbery -An individual outside of the bank in a robbery

If we remember seeing something happen, we can trust that it happened just as we think it did. True of false?

~Objectives 1.2 & 1.3 -False -Truth: Memories can be faulty, so it is important to document information in the moment

The Innocence Project is an organization that seeks to get convicted killers out of prison. True of false?

~Objectives 1.2 & 1.3 -False -Truth: The Innocence Project was created to utilize DNA evidence to make a determination whether a convinced individual is guilty/innocent

The Innocence Project found that most faulty convictions were based on what? A. Out-of-date investigating equipment B. Poor DNA sampling C. Inaccurate eyewitness accounts D. Officers not thoroughly observing a crime scene

~Objectives 1.2 & 1.3 -Inaccurate eyewitness accounts

Most wrongful convictions seem to be the result of faulty eyewitness testimony. True of false?

~Objectives 1.2 & 1.3 -True

Our state of mind affects how we observe our surroundings. What mental state is the best for observing? A. Happy B. Relaxed C. Nervous D. Excited

~Objectives 1.2 & 1.4 -Relaxed

All of the following are ways to improve our observational skills except what? A. Be sure to look at the entire area, not just the body, weapons, or sign of break-in B. Observe everything no matter how big or small C. When collecting evidence, record only those things that you are sure are important D. Write down and photograph everything you find

~Objectives 1.2 & 1.4 -When collecting evidence, record only those things that you are sure are important

Briefly describe what can be detected by observing facial expressions.

~Objectives 1.2, 1.3, & 1.4 -Emotions/feelings

The forensic scientist has many duties. Which of these is not a job for a forensic scientist? A. Give evidence in court B. Question a suspect C. Sign a Cause of Death document D. Search for evidence

~Objectives 1.4 & 1.5 -Sign a Cause of Death document

A person's handwriting is so consistent that nothing alters it. True or false?

~Objectives 10.1 & 10.3 -False -Truth: Factors like mood, health, age, drug use, fatigue, and writing utensils have been known to cause inconsistencies/variations

We now have handwriting databases of letters and handwriting samples. How can they be analyzed using mathematical methods?

~Objectives 10.1, 10.2, & 10.4 -Mathematical models provide factual, concrete analyses rather than an inherently subjective opinion

U.S. paper money has special thread embedded in it as a guard against counterfeiting. True or false?

~Objectives 10.5, 10.6, & 10.7 -True

What type of change occurs when a counterfeit pen's ink comes into contact with counterfeit money, and why does this reaction not occur when the counterfeit pen is used on genuine money printed in the U.S.?

~Objectives 10.6 & 10.7 -A bluish-black color is created because iodine reacts with starch -Real money doesn't contain starch, so a yellow color would be produced

List the features of money bills that are used to help distinguish genuine money from counterfeit money.

~Objectives 10.6 & 10.7 -Portrait stands out from the background and appears raised -Minute microprinting on security threads and around the portrait -Serial number is evenly spaced and is the same color as the Treasury seal -Check letter and quadrant number -Federal Reserve seal with no sharp points -Treasury seal with sharp points -Clear red/blue fibers woven throughout -Federal Reserve number and letter -Series -Check letter and face plate number -Light sensitive watermark on the right side of the portrait -When tilted, the lower right-hand corner makes a color shift from copper to green -Distinct background details/lines -Clear border edge

Some forgers now use chemicals to "age" paper. True or false?

~Objectives 10.6 & 10.7 -True

The Secret Service is charged with the security of U.S. currency. True or false?

~Objectives 10.6 & 10.7 -True

Explain the similarities and differences between autolysis and decomposition.

~Objectives 11.2, 11.3, 11.4, 11.6, & 11.9 -Autolysis: Cell breakdown -Decomposition: Rotting

Explain the similarities and differences between cause of death and mechanism of death.

~Objectives 11.2, 11.3, 11.4, 11.6, & 11.9 -Cause of death: The reason a person dies ^Ex: Suffocation -Mechanism of death: Specific change in the body that caused death ^Ex: Pulmonary arrest

Explain the similarities and differences between larvae and pupa.

~Objectives 11.2, 11.3, 11.4, 11.6, & 11.9 -Larvae: The stage before the development of pupa -Pupa: The stage after the development of larvae

Explain the similarities and differences between manner of death and cause of death.

~Objectives 11.2, 11.3, 11.4, 11.6, & 11.9 -Manner of death: The way the person dies ^Ex: Natural death -Cause of death: The reason a person dies ^Ex: Suffocation

Explain the similarities and differences between rigor mortis and livor mortis.

~Objectives 11.2, 11.3, 11.4, 11.6, & 11.9 -Rigor mortis: Muscle stiffening that occurs between 2 to 48 hours after death -Livor mortis: Skin discoloration that occurs when hemoglobin escapes red blood cells and breaks down

The forensic examiner tells the detective that he thinks the body was killed in the country before it was later found in an alley in New York City. What type of evidence could be present on the body to lead the forensic examiner to that conclusion?

~Objectives 11.4 & 11.5 -Country-dwelling insect species could have been discovered in the body

A body found with rigor mortis present in the face, neck, and upper torso. The young crime scene investigator claims that the time of death must be at least 15 hours previous to the discovery of the body. The first-responding officer still at the crime scene asks what led her to that conclusion. The crime scene investigator states that rigor mortis peaks at 12 hours and then gradually fades. Because there was no rigor in the legs, rigor mortis, must be disappearing and is now only evident in the face, neck, and upper torso. Do you agree with this time estimation? Provide reasons for your answer.

~Objectives 11.4 & 11.5 -No, the evidence suggests the person died about 5 hours prior -The face neck, and upper torso are the first regions to gain rigor, while other extremities like legs are one of the last after a person died -The face, neck, and upper torso are the first regions to lose rigor, while other extremities like legs are one of the last after fifteen hours

As you drive along a roadside you and your friend notice a dead deer that apparently was struck by a car. Your friend comments that she has never seen such a fat deer. "Did you see the size of its abdomen? It was huge!" As a student of forensics, how would you explain to your friend why the abdominal region of the dead deer was so large?

~Objectives 11.4 & 11.6 -Bacteria in the deer's body are producing gases that are expanding the abdomen

Clay particles are larger than sand. True or false?

~Objectives 12.1 & 12.2 -False -Truth: Clay particles are the smallest, silt particles are medium, and sand particles are the largest

Describe physical characteristics of soil that could help distinguish three different soil samples.

~Objectives 12.1 & 12.3 -Grain size: Sand, silt, or clay -Mineral components, Quartz, coral, calcium carbonate, and/or volcanic ash -Grain shape: Rounded or angular -pH: Acidic, neutral, or basic

A forensic scientist examines a soil sample using a microscope. She finds small, rounded grains made up of quartz crystals. There are also small bits of coral present. From this information, what can you conclude about the origin of the soil?

~Objectives 12.3 & 12.4 -The coral typically originates in warm-water regions like the tropics -The high percentage of quartz and the small, round shape indicate that it is old and has undergone a lot of weathering

Describe the features you would expect to find in a female skeleton, age 40.

~Objectives 13.2 & 13.4 -Rounded frontal lobe -Circular eye orbits -Lower jaw angle is greater than 90 degrees -Subpubic angle is greater than 90 degrees -Oval-shaped pelvic cavity -Lambdoidal and sagittal sutures are closed -Coronal structure is not closed

Bones can help us determine the age, sex, and health of a person. True or false?

~Objectives 13.2, 13.3, & 13.4 -True

List characteristics of glass that can be used to compare suspect glass samples to glass found at a crime scene.

~Objectives 14.2 & 14.8 -Refractive index -Thickness -Density

You are testifying as an expert in glass evidence. You want to demonstrate that the evidence glass found embedded in a blanket came from a broken headlight of a vehicle suspected to be the vehicle involved in a hit-and-run accident. A. What liquid would you use to demonstrate that the glass fragment was obtained from a broken car headlight? B. Describe the demonstration that you would show the jury. C. What explanation would you provide to the jury to convince them that the glass evidence has come from a glass like the glass found in a car headlight?

~Objectives 14.3, 14.5, 14.6, & 14.8 -A. Castor oil because it has a refractive index of 1.48 and the headlight glass has a refractive index of 1.47 to 1.49 -B. Submerge the glass fragment in castor oil and focus it under a compound microscope to show that a disappearance in the substance -C. Due to the fact that the piece of glass become invisible in the surrounding liquid it can be said with great certainty that the evidence from the blanket matches that of the broken headlight

Describe how to use the submersion method to determine the refractive index of a piece of glass found at a crime scene.

~Objectives 14.5 & 14.8 -A sample of glass is submerged into various liquids with known refraction -Invisible: Same refractive index -Visible: Different refractive index

In order to determine the refractive index of a small piece of glass, the glass is submerged in different liquids and viewed under a compound microscope. The appearance of a Becke line is used to determine the refractive index. A. What is a Becke line? B. Why does a Becke line form? C. What does the location of the Becke line tell you about the refractive index of the piece of glass and the surrounding liquid in which it is placed?

~Objectives 14.5 & 14.8 -A. A halo-like ring of refracted light that appears when glass submerged in a liquid is viewed under a compound microscope -B. Formation comes when refracted light becomes concentrated around the edges of the glass -C. Being inside the perimeter of the glass means that the glass has a higher refractive index than the surrounding liquid and being outside the perimeter of the glass means that the glass has a smaller refractive index than the surrounding liquid

A window is broken. The group who were standing behind the broken window run away. If the broken glass projected inward, how is it possible that a small amount of trace broken glass evidence was found in their clothes?

~Objectives 14.6 & 14.8 -Backscatter, where glass fragments collide on impact and are projected backward

List five different characteristics to note when comparing a tire from a suspected tire to the tire mark found at the crime scene.

~Objectives 15.2 & 15.3 -Ridge placement -Groove arrangement, number, and width -Rib amount -Imperfections/unique wear patterns -Tire model

What characteristics of shoes are noted when trying to match a shoeprint found at a crime scene with a shoeprint of a suspect's shoe?

~Objectives 15.2 & 15.3 -Size -Type -Brand -Manufacturer -Unique tread marks

The front and rear track width of a vehicle is always the same. True of false?

~Objectives 15.3 & 15.4 -False -Truth: The front/rear track width of a vehicle varies

In court, a lawyer will fit the tool into the tool mark impressions to demonstrate a match. True or false?

~Objectives 16.1 & 16.2 -False -Truth: This demonstration would damage the evidence, so in court the tool marks in the crime scene are compared to the tool marks in a lab

New screwdrivers of the same size and brand always leave the same tool mark impression. True or false?

~Objectives 16.2 & 16.3 -False -Truth: Even mass-produced tools have minor differences revealed through minuscule examination

Two different tools were used to strike a piece of board. Two impressions were made in the wood. Assuming the same person used the tools to make the impressions, list what characteristics could be used to help distinguish one tool from the other.

~Objectives 16.2 & 16.4 -Size -Shape -Unique indentations, ridges, or blemishes -Rusting -Uneven sharpening

Tool impressions can be cast using silicone-based materials. True or false?

~Objectives 16.2 & 16.4 -True

Semiautomatic pistols store cartridges in a what? A. Magazine (Clip) B. Cylinder C. Firing pin D. Muzzle

~Objectives 17.2 & 17.4 -Magazine (Clip)

Using the following terms, explain how the different parts of a gun and cartridge enable the bullet to be fired from a gun. A. Trigger B. Hammer C. Firing pin D. Gunpowder E. Energy F. Bullet G. Lands and grooves

~Objectives 17.2, 17.3, & 17.4 -A. Pulled to release the hammer -B. Drives the firing pin into the base of the cartridge -C. Ignites the primer powder, thus charging the gunpowder -D. Generates a tiny explosion that produces energy -E. Helps the bullet travel down the barrel of the gun -F. Follows the lands and grooves in the rifling -G. Arranged in a spiral pattern and creates spinning as the gun finally shoots

What kind of information can be learned from gunshot residue (GSR) examination?

~Objectives 17.5 & 17.6 -How far the shooter was from the victim -A link to a suspect, as it typically remains on the shooter's hands/clothing

Describe how investigators match a bullet to a firearm.

~Objectives 17.5 & 17.6 -Unique rifling pattern (Lands/grooves) in the barrel of the gun -Caliber/marks left on bullet after it is shot

The amount of gunshot residue of a victim is usually proportional to the distance between the victim and the shooter. True or false?

~Objectives 17.6 & 17.7 -True

The recorder at the crime scene needs to work with all police personnel at the crime scene. What type of information would the recorder need to obtain from each of the following persons? A. First-responding officer B. Photographer C. Sketch artist D. Evidence collection team

~Objectives 2.4 & 2.7 A. Who visited the crime scene, which civilians were present, any eyewitnesses, what evidence was discovered, and any needs utilized to assist in the investigation B. Photographic shots of the body, evidence, and surrounding with reference points included C. Sketches with reference information, scales of distance, case number, name of location, and where/when the creation occurred D. What was collected, who packaged the clues, and the care that ensued while following the chain of command

The reason it is important to separate the witnesses at the crime scene is to what? A. Prevent contamination of the evidence B. Prevent fighting among the witnesses C. Prevent the witnesses form talking to each other D. Protect them from the perpetrator

~Objectives 2.5 & 2.6 -Prevent the witnesses from talking to each other

A crime-scene sketch should include all of the following except what? A. A scale of distance B. Date and location of the crime C. A north heading on the diagram D. The type of search pattern used to collect evidence

~Objectives 2.5 & 2.7 -The type of search pattern used to collect evidence

At the scene of the crime, the evidence collector found a damp, bloody shirt. The evidence collector quickly wrapped the shirt in a paper bindle. He inserted the paper bindle with the shirt into an evidence bag. The bag was sealed with tape, and the collector wrote his name across the tape. The evidence collection log was completed and taped to the evidence bag. What did he do incorrectly?

~Objectives 2.5, 2.7, 2.8, & 2.9 -The damp shirt should have been dried before being placed into a plastic bag, as the DNA will degenerate/mold will grow on the object

A single hair was found on the back of a couch. The evidence collector placed it in a paper bindle. He then inserted the paper bindle into a plastic evidence bag. Using tape, the evidence collector sealed the bag. After completing the evidence log and the chain-of-custody form, he brought the evidence bag to the crime lab. What did he do incorrectly?

~Objectives 2.5, 2.7, 2.8, & 2.9 -The evidence collector forget to write their signature on the taped edge of the plastic bag

Often, several different labs need to share a very small amount of evidence. It is important that the chain of custody be maintained. If the chain of custody is broken, then the evidence may not be allowed in a court proceeding. Identify the error in the following case. After obtaining the evidence, the first lab technician removed the tape that contained the signature of the crime scene evidence collector. on completion of her examination of the evidence, the lab technician put the evidence back into a paper bindle, and inserted the bindle into an evidence bag. The technician resealed the bag in the same place as the original crime scene investigator. After carefully sealing the bag, the lab technician signed her name across the tape. She completed the chain of custody form on the outside of the evidence bag and brought the evidence to the next lab technician at the crime lab.

~Objectives 2.5, 2.7, 2.8, & 2.9 -The technician should keep the original signature with the initial seal -The technician should open the container at an area other then where it was originally sealed -The technician should repackage the evidence with its first packaging in new packaging, reseal it, and sign the chain-of-custody log

A dead body and a gun were found in a small room. The room was empty except for a small desk and a chair. The room had two windows, a closet, and a door leading into a hallway. The crime scene sketch artist measured the perimeter of the room and drew the walls to scale. He sketched the approximate location of the chair and the desk. What did he forget to do?

~Objectives 2.5, 2.7, 2.8, & 2.9 -The windows, closet, door, location of north, and scale of distance should be included

When the crime-scene investigators arrive at a crime scene, one of their duties is to try to collect all evidence from the victim's body. However, due to the location of the crime scene, some evidence will need to be collected off the body at a later time in the crime lab. For each type of situation below, describe the type(s) of evidence that could be obtained. A. Transporting the body in a closed body bag. B. Taking nail clippings from the deceased. C. Placing a plastic bag over the hands of the deceased before transporting the person to the morgue. D. Brushing the clothing of the victim with a clothes brush.

~Objectives 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, & 2.9 A. Fluids, fingerprints, hair, fibers, and blood B. Scratch marks, debris, blood, and DNA C. Fingerprints, skin cells, blood, fibers, and DNA D. Hair, debris, animal fur, skin cells, DNA, and animal fur

Hair is composed of a protein called cellulose. True of false?

~Objectives 3.1 & 3.2 -False -Truth: Keratin

Describe the structure of hair. Include in your answer the terms follicle, medulla, cortex, and cuticle.

~Objectives 3.1 & 3.2 -Follicle: Club-shaped sac that is embedded in the skin -Papilla: Blood vessel that provides nutrients for hair growth -Sebaceous gland: Gland that secretes oil to condition the hair/skin -Nerve cells: Cells that responds to changes in the surrounding environment -Hair shaft: Shaft that consists of the cuticle, cortex, and medulla and is made up of keratin -Medulla: Inner layer that may be fragmented, segmented, continuous, pigmented, or not pigmented -Cortex: Middle layer that has melanin for color -Cuticle: Outer layer that consists of overlapping scales and gives protection

The hair shaft is composed of the cuticle, cortex, and what? A. Medulla B. Root C. Crown D. Granules

~Objectives 3.1 & 3.2 -Medulla

The cuticle scales of the hair always point towards the what? A. Root B. Medulla C. Tip of the hair D. Follicle

~Objectives 3.2 & 3.5 -Tip of the hair

Calculate the medullary index of a hair whose diameter is 110 microns wide and whose medulla measures 58 microns. Is this a human or animal hair?

~Objectives 3.3 & 3.6 -Medullary index= Medulla's width/Entire hair's width -58 microns/110 microns= 29/55= 0.527 -Animal hair, as it is greater than 0.50

A women with long hair is a suspect in a burglary case. At the crime scene, several long hairs were found attached to a broken lock of the safe. The police obtain a warrant and request a sample of 25 to 50 hairs from this women. They tell the woman it is important that they pull the hairs from her head rather than to merely cut the hairs. The police suspect that the woman was stealing to help support a drug habit. A. Why is it important that the police pull the hairs from her head rather than cut her hair? B. Why is it necessary to obtain 25 to 50 hairs from this woman? C. The woman denies that she is currently taking drugs and states that she stopped using drugs a year ago. Explain how the police can determine if the woman has been off drugs for over one year. D. Suppose the hairs of the woman match the hairs found at the crime scene. Why does this not necessarily prove she was the guilty party.

~Objectives 3.4, 3.5, & 3.7 A. If the follicle cells are not attached it cannot be used as direct evidence (DNA), only class evidence (Group/class of people) B. Hair has variation, and not all of them will be similar C. Rate of hair growth and the location of a toxin/drug from the hair shaft D. Due to Locard's exchange principle

Fibers collected as trace evidence are often considered to be class evidence and not individual evidence. For example, the presence of a white cotton fiber found on a suspect and found on a victim at a crime scene is not enough evidence to convict the suspect. Justify this statement.

~Objectives 4.2, 4.3, & 4.4 -White cotton fiber doesn't have unique characteristics and instead belongs to a group of objects

Which of the following observations are used to help identify a specific fiber? A. Smell of the burned fiber B. On contact with the flame, does the fiber coil or melt C. Color and structure of the residue left after the fiber burns D. All of the above

~Objectives 4.3 & 4.4 -All of the above

A crime-scene investigator views two small, red fibers. One fiber obtained from the crime scene off the victim's body, and the other red fiber was removed from the cuff of the suspect's pants. Although the two fibers appear to be from the same fabric, the crime scene investigator determines that the two fibers are indeed very different. List other characteristics of the fibers that can be detected under a compound microscope that could be used to distinguish the two red fibers.

~Objectives 4.3 & 4.4 -Fiber classification: Natural fibers from plants, animals, and minerals and synthetic fibers, which are artificially made -Shape/markings: Tests like polarizing light microscopy -Chemical structure/composition: Devices such as a gas chromatograph

A fiber is collected at a crime scene. When viewed under a compound microscope, what two traits would indicate that the fiber was a human hair and not a piece of fiber obtained from an article of clothing? A. The presence of a cuticle B. A medullary index of 0.33 or less C. A wide diameter D. Its ability to dissolve in water

~Objectives 4.3 & 4.4 -The presence of a cuticle and a medullary index of 0.33 or less

With the exception of bacterial endospores, pollen and spores are reproductive structures.

~Objectives 5.1 & 5.3 -True

All pollen and spores are produced continuously throughout the year.

~Objectives 5.3 & 5.5 -False -Truth: Different pollen/spores are produced during different seasons

Which type of pollen producer is useful for forensic studies because of the abundance of pollen produced? A. Aquatic angiosperms B. Self-pollinators C. Gymnosperms D. All angiosperms

~Objectives 5.3 & 5.6 -Gymnosperms

The male part of a flowering plant is called the what? A. Seed B. Exine C. Pistil D. Stamen

~Objectives 5.4 & 5.5 -Stamen

Describe how pollen can be used to determine if a crime occurred in the city/country or in the day/night.

~Objectives 5.4, 5.6, & 5.7 -Pollen morphology can differentiate characteristics in pollen

In unsolved cases, it is possible that pollen evidence embedded within a rug could be viewed years after the crime was committed and used to help convict a suspect.

~Objectives 5.4, 5.6, & 5.7 -True

Describe the different places at a crime scene where a forensic palynologist might collect pollen or spore evidence to link a suspect to a crime scene.

~Objectives 5.4, 5.7, & 5.8 -Nasal passages, throat, lungs, clothes, dirt, soil, or dust

Summarize the characteristics of pollen and spores that make their identification and analysis useful in crime scenes

~Objectives 5.7 & 5.8 -Belongs to distinct plant species -Substantial variation with a unique fingerprint -Gets trapped in all sorts of places

Similar print or ridge patterns can also be found on the toes. True of false?

~Objectives 6.2 & 6.3 -True

It is necessary to obtain a full print from a suspect in order to match his fingerprint with a fingerprint found at the crime scene. True or false?

~Objectives 6.5, 6.6, & 6.7 -False -Truth: A database contains fingerprints utilized to match/compare even if only a partial mark is found at the crime scene

The use of fingerprints in identification is not perfect because what? A. The current technology depends on humans to input and analyze the information, and humans make mistakes B. Many people have the same exact fingerprints C. People can easily change their fingerprints D. All of the above are correct answers

~Objectives 6.5, 6.6, & 6.7 -The current technology depends on humans to analyze the information, and humans make mistakes

Plastic prints must be dusted or treated in order to identify the ridge patterns. True or false?

~Objectives 6.6 & 6.7 -False -Truth: Plastic prints are actual marks/indentations left in clay, wax, or other soft materials

The type of powder used to dust prints will vary depending upon the weather conditions when the print is lifted. True or false?

~Objectives 6.6 & 6.9 -False -Truth: The weather condition is not a factor in dust prints, but dusting powder has various formulations

What are the advantages of STR fingerprinting over VNTR fingerprinting?

~Objectives 7.3, 7.5, & 7.6 -STR fingerprinting works with shorter DNA strands, making it easier to separate sequences, produces a greater accuracy, and provides a way to analyze partially degraded samples

Half the bands in a baby boy's DNA fingerprint are from his what? A. Uncle B. Cousin C. Sister D. Father

~Objectives 7.5 & 7.6 -Father

The two main purposes for analyzing VNTR data from DNA fingerprints are matching tissues and inheritance. True of false?

~Objectives 7.5 & 7.6 -True

Explain the difference between using DNA profiles to determine paternity and to match a tissue sample with a suspect.

~Objectives 7.5 & 7.6 -When determining paternity the offspring's DNA profile half should match the father and half should match the mother -When matching a tissue sample the DNA profile must be identical in order for the match to be successful

A prosecuting attorney was given the forensic lab results from the blood-typing activity. She found that the crime-scene blood matched the blood type of one of the suspects' blood. The prosecutor told the jurors that the crime-scene evidence blood matched the defendant's blood type. She further stated that this evidence proved that the suspect was indeed the perpetrator of the crime. You are the defendant's attorney. How would you respond to the prosecutor's argument that because the blood types matched, then the defendant is proven guilty of the crime?

~Objectives 8.4, 8.6, & 8.9 -I would tell the prosecutor that blood type is class evidence and can only be used to rule out suspects, not prove guilt

Which pattern most likely came from a gunshot and which one was produced from a blow on the head? Explain your answer.

~Objectives 8.7 & 8.8 -Sample A: Blow to the head because the pattern had large droplets that are characteristic of a low-velocity impact -Sample B: Gunshot wound because the pattern had small droplets that are characteristic of a high-velocity impact

A crime has been committed. From the blood spatter, it is possible to determine what?

~Objectives 8.7 & 8.9 -Angle of impact for a drop of blood -Point of convergence for several drops of blood -Distance from the point of convergence and a blood drop -Point of origin, the source of the blood

Blood was dropped from a distance of 30 cm. Although the height was the same, two different patterns emerged. How do you account for the difference?

~Objectives 8.7 & 8.9 -Smooth surface: The edge of the drop is smooth/round -Porous surface: The edge of the drop is spiked/jagged

How is the urine test performed?

~Objectives 9.2 & 9.3 -Analysis through an immunoassay, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, or at-home screening kit after peeing in a cup

How reliable is the drug testing? What variables may affect the results?

~Objectives 9.2 & 9.3 -At-home screening kits/immunoassays may produce inaccurate results, so a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry test is utilized to accurately check a second time

When will the urine test demonstrate drug usage or toxin exposure?

~Objectives 9.2 & 9.3 -Depending on the drug being checked, the urine test is capable of detecting drugs up to a month after use

Anabolic steroids increase muscle mass and have no harmful effects. True or false?

~Objectives 9.2 & 9.3 -False -In severe cases heart attacks, cancer, reduced fertility, blood clotting, and high blood pressure occur

Clostridium botulinum causes lockjaw. True or false?

~Objectives 9.2 & 9.3 -False -Truth: Clostridium tetani causes tetanus (Lockjaw), while clostridium botulinum produces botulism, a neurotoxin that causes irreversible damage

Today, poisoning is a very common form of murder. True or false?

~Objectives 9.2 & 9.3 -False -Truth: Poisoning accounts for less than 0.5% of murders

Some poisons, like potassium chloride, interfere with enzyme activity. True or false?

~Objectives 9.2 & 9.3 -False -Truth: Potassium chloride stops the heart by disrupting the flow of electrical impulses through cells

There are six basic types of controlled substances. True or false?

~Objectives 9.2 & 9.3 -False -Truth: The five basic types of controlled substances include hallucinogens, anabolic steroids, narcotics, depressants, and stimulants

Is the urine test invasive?

~Objectives 9.2 & 9.3 -No, the test isn't invasive

Is a skilled technician required to perform the test and read the results?

~Objectives 9.2 & 9.3 -No, there are at-home urine tests that produce easy to read results

How expensive is a urine test?

~Objectives 9.2 & 9.3 -The cost of a urine test ranges from 30 to 60 dollars

Accidental deaths from drug overdoses are more common than deaths from poisoning. True or false?

~Objectives 9.2 & 9.3 -True

All alcohols are toxic to the body. True of false?

~Objectives 9.2 & 9.3 -True

Mercury can cause the symptoms of acute poisoning. True or false?

~Objectives 9.2 & 9.3 -True

The major ways people are exposed to toxins are by ingesting them, inhaling them, injecting them, or absorbing them through the skin. True or false?

~Objectives 9.2 & 9.3 -True

Can the test be easily performed on a living person?

~Objectives 9.2 & 9.3 -Yes, but if the person can't produce a urine sample collection may have to occur at another date