Final answer:
Any single partial fingerprint can be used for identification if it has a sufficient number of unique ridge characteristics, enabling a reliable match by forensic experts.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to the validity of partial fingerprints for identification purposes. Contrary to some misconceptions, there is no requirement that a partial print show a little of all ten fingers, nor is there a specific percentage of the pattern that must be present. For a fingerprint to be used for identification, any single print can be sufficient, but it must exhibit a sufficiently detailed number of unique ridge characteristics to enable forensic experts to make a reliable match. This can occur even with a small portion of a finger if there are enough unique points of comparison.
In forensic science, techniques such as DNA fingerprinting and RFLP analysis are employed to establish a person's identity. DNA fingerprinting can be used to discern whether two DNA samples came from related individuals or to establish identity in criminal investigations. The fingerprint and DNA techniques hin-ge on the uniqueness of these biological markers for each individual.