Final answer:
The statement is false; fingerprints are unique in every individual, including identical twins, due to unique environmental conditions experienced by each twin during development.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that 'fingerprints differ in every individual except identical twins' is false. Fingerprints are unique to each individual, including identical twins. During fetal development, the fingerprints are formed where the cells of the stratum basale meet the papillary layer of the dermis, creating unique ridges known as fingerprints. While identical twins have very similar genetic makeup, slight variations in their environments, even in the womb, lead to each twin having a distinct set of fingerprints. Therefore, fingerprints are used extensively in forensic analyses and DNA fingerprinting to identify individuals or determine familial relations.