Answer:
Small but measurable amounts of physical or biological material found at a crime scene are known as trace evidence. Trace evidence can include various types of materials that are left behind, often inadvertently, and can play a crucial role in forensic investigations. Some examples of trace evidence include:
1. Hair: Even a single strand of hair found at a crime scene can provide valuable information such as DNA analysis, which can help identify potential suspects or victims.
2. Fibers: Clothing fibers, carpet fibers, or other textile materials can be transferred during a crime and can link a suspect or victim to a particular location or item.
3. Fingerprints: Fingerprints left on surfaces can be considered as trace evidence and can help identify individuals present at the crime scene.
4. Footprints and Tire Tracks: Impressions left by shoes or tires can be examined and compared to known prints to determine if they are linked to a particular individual or vehicle.
5. Biological Fluids: Bodily fluids such as blood, saliva, semen, or sweat can be collected as trace evidence and analyzed for DNA or other biological markers to identify potential suspects.
6. Toolmarks: Marks left behind by tools or weapons, such as tool scratches, pry marks, or gunshot residue, can be considered trace evidence and can provide information about the methods or tools used during a crime.
Trace evidence is often collected, preserved, and analyzed by forensic experts to reconstruct the events that took place at a crime scene and provide crucial evidence in criminal investigations.