Ridgeology aims to do which of the following?

• A. Classify fingerprints into generic pattern types.
• B. Identify individuals.
• C. Determine blood type.
• D. Measure hand size.

Answer: (B)

Ridgeology focuses on analyzing fingerprint ridge patterns to determine if two impressions come from the same source, enabling identification of individuals. It relies on minutiae—details like ridge endings and bifurcations—and the overall ridge flow to decide whether prints match. Classifying prints into generic pattern types is a helpful, descriptive step for organizing data, but it does not by itself establish who left the print. Determining blood type or hand size isn’t related to ridge detail and doesn’t reflect ridgeology’s purpose. So the goal is to identify individuals.