What kind of evidence consists of fingerprints and DNA?

Fingerprints and DNA are classified as individual characteristics because they can uniquely identify a person. Unlike class characteristics, which are shared by a group of individuals (for example, shoe size or the type of tire tread), individual characteristics are specific to one person. In the case of fingerprints, the unique patterns and ridges ensure that even identical twins will have different prints. Similarly, DNA contains unique sequences that can differentiate one individual from another, making it a powerful tool in identification and forensic investigations.

Biological characteristics typically refer to traits or features that may describe a species or biological group rather than an individual. Physical characteristics might encompass a broader range of observable traits but do not specifically denote unique identification features like fingerprints and DNA. Therefore, the classification of fingerprints and DNA as individual characteristics emphasizes their role in providing precise identification of a person, crucial in criminal investigations and legal scenarios.