Fingerprints have a general flow to the ridges that translates into one of three major pattern types: a whorl, loop or arch. It is possible to have just one, two or all three pattern types among your 10 fingerprints. The important thing to remember about pattern types is that an individual cannot be identified from fingerprints by pattern type alone.
Yes, there is an inheritable quality to fingerprints. Pattern types are often genetically inherited, but the individual details that make a fingerprint unique are not. Humans, as well as apes and monkeys, have so-called friction ridge skin (FRS) covering the surfaces of their hands and feet. FRS comprises a series of ridges and furrows that provide friction to aid in grasping and prevent slippage. FRS is unique and permanent--no two individuals (including identical twins) have the exact same FRS arrangement. Moreover, the arrangement of the ridges and features do not change throughout our lifetimes, with the exception of significant damage that creates a permanent scar. The term fingerprints refers to the FRS on the ends of our fingers.
You can read those few pages online.
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/succession-science-are-fingerprint-patterns-inherited/
Yes, there is an inheritable quality to fingerprints. Pattern types are often genetically inherited, but the individual details that make a fingerprint unique are not. Humans, as well as apes and monkeys, have so-called friction ridge skin (FRS) covering the surfaces of their hands and feet. FRS comprises a series of ridges and furrows that provide friction to aid in grasping and prevent slippage. FRS is unique and permanent--no two individuals (including identical twins) have the exact same FRS arrangement. Moreover, the arrangement of the ridges and features do not change throughout our lifetimes, with the exception of significant damage that creates a permanent scar. The term fingerprints refers to the FRS on the ends of our fingers.
You can read those few pages online.
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/succession-science-are-fingerprint-patterns-inherited/
Why are people so sure that there is no "two people's fingerprints (or FRS) are the same"? The assumption is based on these:
"The assumption of uniqueness has been based on (1) anecdotal evidence comparing prints for more than 100 years and never observing two fingerprints with the same friction ridge skin (FRS) arrangement; (2) controlled studies of genetically identical twins and never observing exactly the same pattern; and (3) the belief that the stresses, strains, and tensions across an area of friction ridge skin are random, infinite, and independent." (from Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)-USA website)
Thanks for this interesting education. I now how empirical evidence to back my belief that fingerprints patterns may be hereditary but its FRS is unique to every person.
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