Final answer:
Forensic scientists classify fibers as soluble and insoluble based on their reaction to water. The terms now used are fermentable (viscous) and nonfermentable (nonviscous), with viscous fibers being able to form a gel-like consistency.
Step-by-step explanation:
Forensic scientists classify fibers into two main classes based on their physical properties. Forensic scientists classify fibers as soluble and insoluble based on their reaction to water. The terms now used are fermentable (viscous) and nonfermentable (nonviscous), with viscous fibers being able to form a gel-like consistency. These classes are soluble fiber and insoluble fiber.
However, more recent terminology in the nutrition community refers to these fibers as fermentable, viscous fibers (previously known as soluble) and nonfermentable, nonviscous fibers (previously known as insoluble). Viscous fibers have the ability to form a gel-like consistency when dissolved in water.