Final answer:
Hair found at a crime scene with a root attached likely means it was forcibly removed, and because the root contains DNA, it's useful for forensic analysis to identify individuals present at the scene.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a hair is found at a crime scene with a root attached, it most likely means that the hair was forcibly removed from the person's body. Since each cell in our body contains a nucleus with DNA, hair roots are a rich source of DNA because they come directly from the scalp where the hair is actively growing and the follicle cells are dividing.
This means that if a hair with a root is found at a crime scene, it can be a valuable piece of evidence, as it may contain the DNA of the person who left it behind, which is crucial for forensic analysis. By analyzing the DNA from the hair root, law enforcement officials can potentially identify the individual who was present at the crime scene.