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Basic Forensic Science

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Fun Trivia : Quizzes : Forensic Science : Basic Forensic Science

Introduction:
"Judging by the popularity of forensic detective programs and books, society has a fascination with death and crime. I took some university courses in forensics for interest, not for employment. This quiz is based on what I learned in those courses."


1. What does the term 'forensic' mean?
    pertaining to medicine
    pertaining to the law
    pertaining to death
    pertaining to crime


2. When two objects touch, there is a transfer of material from one to the other. This trace evidence is the basis of forensic science. What is the idea known as?
    Forensic Law
    Locard's Principle
    Bertillon's Principle of Transference
    Murphy's Law of Contact


3. Forensic anthropology involves the retrieval and identification of human remains. A skeleton provides a lot of information about the deceased. Which of the following is not able to be deduced from a modern human skeleton?
    state of health
    ethnic background
    intelligence
    occupation


4. If you know what to look for, you can tell a male from a female skeleton. Which of the following statements is not true?
    The male skull is usually larger than the female skull.
    The female pelvis is usually deeper than the male pelvis.
    The female chin is usually more rounded or pointed than the male chin.
    The male skull has a larger brow ridge than the female.


5. Forensic odontology involves the study of teeth. When old skeletons are found, the teeth are an important source of information. In such cases, which of the following statements is true?
    Teeth can indicate a person's occupation and ethnic background.
    Teeth are a good source of DNA for forensic analysis.
    Forensic scientists can usually tell the victim's age by their teeth.
    All three statements are true.


6. When identifying victims of disasters, such as plane and train crashes, approximately 93 percent of identifications are made on the basis of which characteristic?
    dental records
    DNA analysis
    skeletal characteristics
    personal effects


7. Forensic entomology involves the study of insects. Insects are a very reliable indicator of post-mortem interval (the estimate of time since death). When and where was the first recorded application of forensic entomology?
    17th century Italy
    19th century France
    16th century America
    13th century China


8. DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is the genetic material in our cells which controls heredity and plays a large role in determining our physical characteristics. Which of the following statements is not true?
    DNA can show a person's gender but not their age or race.
    Only identical twins will have identical DNA.
    Red blood cells are the best source of DNA.
    Identical twins can have different fingerprints.


9. Britain's experience with DNA databases has provided some interesting statistics. Based on UK data, which of the following statements is not true?
    Over 50 percent of murderers have previous convictions for assault.
    About 70 percent of crimes are committed by 8 percent of the population.
    The UK DNA data base averages about 1,000 successful hits per week.
    About 90 percent of sex offenders have previous convictions for lesser offences.


10. In 1984, Sir Alec Jeffreys developed the first DNA profiling ('genetic fingerprinting') test. Its first use to solve a crime occurred in England. It identified Colin Pitchfork as the murderer of two young girls in Narborough in the English Midlands. In which year did this occur?
    1984
    1986
    1985
    1987


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