What is true about individual characteristics of physical evidence?

Individual characteristics of physical evidence refer to traits that are unique to a particular source, making it possible to identify that source with a high degree of certainty. When physical evidence, such as a fingerprint, DNA, or tool mark, possesses individual characteristics, it can only be attributed to one specific individual or item. This is crucial in forensic investigations, as it helps to establish strong links between evidence and suspects or crime scenes, enhancing the reliability of conclusions drawn from that evidence.

In contrast, other types of characteristics, such as class characteristics, can be shared by multiple sources. For example, shoe prints or tire treads can match a variety of different shoes or vehicles produced by the same manufacturer but lack the unique identifiers that set them apart from one another. Therefore, individual characteristics provide a much more definitive connection in criminal investigations.