Q 01/05

What are the three basic fingerprint patterns in the Henry system?

A) Circle, line and cross

B) Spiral, wave and ring

C) Loop, whorl and arch

D) Ridge, valley and pore

Answer · why

C) Loop, whorl and arch

Loops are by far the most common of the three.

Q 02/05

Roughly what share of all fingerprints are arches?

A) 5%

B) 15%

C) 30%

D) 50%

Answer · why

A) 5%

Loops are the most common, at 60 to 65 percent.

Q 03/05

A loop that starts on the little-finger side of the finger is called what?

A) Ulnar

B) Radial

C) Lateral

D) Tented

Answer · why

A) Ulnar

Radial loops start on the thumb side, near the radius bone.

Q 04/05

Do identical twins have identical fingerprints?

A) Only on the thumbs

B) Only if they share a placenta

C) Yes, always

D) No

Answer · why

D) No

Ridge formation is randomised in the womb, so even shared DNA does not produce matching prints.

Q 05/05

What is the name for the raised skin that leaves a fingerprint?

A) Friction ridges

B) Sweat crests

C) Tactile folds

D) Dermal papillae

Answer · why

A) Friction ridges

They occur on fingers, toes, palms and soles.