MCOLES State Licensing Practice Exam

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What are the two types of "arch" fingerprints?

Plain and Tented arches
Radial and Ulna arches
Natural and Tented arches
Conventional and Odd arches

The correct answer is: Plain and Tented arches

The two types of "arch" fingerprints are indeed plain and tented arches. Arch fingerprints are characterized by their rising patterns in the center, and they differentiate mainly in how pronounced that rise is. A plain arch has a smooth, wave-like pattern that runs from one side to the other without any significant upthrust in the center. This creates a gentle and continuous rise, making it easy to recognize. A tented arch, on the other hand, has a more pronounced upthrust at the center, creating a peak or tent-like structure. This type of arch has a more distinct point in the middle, which can resemble the shape of a tent and makes it stand out compared to the plain arch. Understanding the distinction between these two types is important in forensic science and fingerprint analysis, as they help in classifying and identifying fingerprints accurately. The other choices reference types of arches or classifications that do not fit into the established terminology of fingerprint classification.